• Not allowing homeless encampments
• People are free to enjoy themselves without too many issues or regulations like being yelled at for letting your dog pee off leash etc - people self police these behaviors and the city is not pushy, intrusive or annoying about the laws and bylaws. The officers are polite and easy going and the city seems to always work really well behind the scenes.
• Response times.
• Running the city in general. Being helpful to residents in building ADUs and improving their lives and houses.
• seeks excellent outcomes (but way too slowly)
• Sharing plans & reports on dept's + committees online. • Social news update & weekly newspaper.
• The city is good at being reachable when the need arises; it has a good "small town" feel in this way. • they care about the community
• Think they try to do a good job.
• Try to improve itself
• Well organized online city resources and customer service.
Schools and education, programs for youth
• Education and natural environment
• Education K-12
• Education.
• Education.
• Excellent schools and parks
• Excellent schools and support for youths.
• Good educational environment
• Good schools.
• Good schools? Hmmthat's not the city
• Great education institutions
• Great public schools.
• Maintain high standards of k-12 schools.
• Offering all the children/youth recreational classes. • PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.
• Public school system.
• Public schools and libraries are excellent
• School quality.
• Schools
• Supporting the Palo Alto Unified School District. I know the PAUSD is a separate agency but the City should support PAUSD in every way possible.
• The excellent education and transportation.
• The excellent K-12 schools.
• The schools are amazing I am so happy with the school education my children are receiving.
Cleanliness of community; upkeep
• CITY IS WELL MAINTAINED
• Clean, safe parks
• Clean, well-lit, safe, and walkable downtown areas with lots of trees and greenery. • Cleaner than other cities
• Cleaning playgrounds every day + advancing kid spaces (and family) * get the Jr. Museum to open before 10am please - at least on wkends.
• cleanliness
• Cleanliness, safety, internet services.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
112
Packet Pg. 117 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• CLEANLINESS.
• Downtown is kept clean of garbage.
• I love the clean up days. I also think the parks are great. • Keep city clean, well maintained
• keep environment clean
• The twon is very clean and sleep.
Quality of life, reputation
• BRAGGING HOW GREAT CITY IS.
• Building reputation as an innovative and livable town • high quality life and environment
• MAINTAINS A FAVORABLE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL RESIDENTS. • P.A. continues to be a pleasant place to live and it would be an awful shame if the continuing overcrowding and over-building ruin the quality of life that has been a hallmark of this city for decades.
The schools, work opportunities, medical services, entertainment, cultural activities, etc. if maintained, will help P.A. continue to be a wonderful place to live. Please, Do Not Destroy It! The many residents across P.A. that we have come to know over 3 decades feel the same way. • quality of living
• Sense of community with outstanding public resources
• Set the standard for life on the peninsula
• The feeling that PA is a desirable, high-class neighborhood in which to live Infrastructure, streets, transportation
• Basic infrastructure, such as roads.
• California Avenue, I love how you are creating a space for the community and an example of what a walkable city looks like.
• Easy access to public transportation
• Good road quality
• Infrastructure
• Maintaining smooth streets and greenery
• Public parking, libraries, cleaning and walking paths • Traffic is not an issue in the city, despite what the Council might hear from the vocal few. It would be great if the city could work with the County to align the lights on Embarcadero Road/El Camino near Town and Country/Paly and alleviate the backups there but otherwise, traffic works well in the city. The libraries and parks are awesome.
• Traffic so far is acceptable, please prevent it getting worse Ease of bicycle travel/walking
• Bicycle friendly town, lots of nice parks and libraries,tree canopy and clean streets. Keep the City Utility Company, but have Utility rates only pay for the Utility Company, not the General Fund. I know this was defeated in the last election, but it is a sore point because many of the General Fund items are not that well supported. Co-mingling funds is NOT the way to go. • Bike lanes.
• Bike paths
• Bike paths
• Bike paths.
• Keeping bikes off of El Camino real.
• The city is incredibly accessible by foot, bike and car. • Very bike-able! Love it!
• Walkability; open spaces.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
113
Packet Pg. 118 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Sustainability
• Access to clean energy incentives
• Continue excellent focus on climate crisis activities & programs. • Eco-friendly utilities, waste management.
• Going green
• Try to be green and save more energy.
• Trying to progress e.g. solar/electric/climate issues; green spaces (but canopy decisions like Calif Ave have been horrible) microneighborhoods (midtown, calif ave, etc) are keys to reducing isolation/improving health outcomes.
Culture, diversity
• Culture
• Diversity of race and culture
• DIVERSITY OF THE CITY IS EXCELLENT.
• Inclusiveness
• Sensitivity to needs of a diverse community.
Other
• Attract popular businesses to come and stay in Palo Alto. • Housing for Palo Alto teachers and emergency responders • I'm trying to think. Create revenue with parking tickets? • local news
• Maintain high quality employment options and companies in area • Medical facilities
• MEDICAL SERVICES.
• Not allowing any more apartment buildings. I appreciate the city does not allow any more housing and does not allow any building higher than 2 floors. I hope the city maintain what it is now for the people who live here.
• Openness
• Quality/variety of businesses
• Rent control, renter assistance, landlord oversight
• RESTAURANTS.
• Vibrant downtown
Nothing/don’t know/something negative
• Can't think of any.
• Developing questionnaires where comment sections are impossibly small. You simply do not want feedback. Okay. So, act not postpone.
• discuss everything forever, be highly political (especially dragging your feet around housing development), this should become more efficient and cut by 50% (I think discussions are necessary, but at this time it just takes too much time and money, and time is money. Get employees to have more skin in the game, and not just avoid litigation)
• Do not build an apartment of any kind next to Moldaw Residents for the elderly blocking the vision of people living in the building that face Fabian Avenue at E. Charleston Road (we face west and want to be able to see the mountains and the sunset, etc. we do not want a neighbor next door to us. Plus it would put too much traffic there at E. Charleston and Fabian Avenue. There already is enough traffic noise there.
• don't know
• Don't know.
• Downtown areas small town ecosystem is endangered! No big box stores downtown! Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
114
Packet Pg. 119 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• I don't know. That's a good question.
• I don't understand why they are selections to pick things but you don't say what to do with them. • Increase in tree, shrub & other plantings so important for the compensation of GHGs. • Many.
• None
• PA does have a history of affordable housing achievements...this is not appreciated. Looking forward PA is not honest abouy its limitiations to achieve affordable housing.. It would be more practical and more productive to list what can be done for the 3-4 types of affordable housing needs. Then PA volunteer leaders could initiate a practical, limited, acheiveable afundraising campaign like the old fashion barn building. The scale would be limited but uplifting in so many respects. • Provide more affordable housing for all the service workers who have to commute here because they can't afford a home. in the area.
• Stop developing so many residential and commercial buildings. • Support the super wealthy & pushes out all others including seniors who built the city + teachers & workers they need.
• Take unearned monies from Utilities and spend budgets on non-core City services. • Unsure
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
115
Packet Pg. 120 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Question 16: If you plan to purchase a car within the next two years, what is the likelihood of it being one of the following: (Other) • - GAS.
• 1 car household, want gas option.
• Can't afford it!
• Can't afford/disabled.
• CONVENTIONAL GAS.
• Electric
• fully gas powered car
• Gas
• gas
• Gas
• Gas
• Gas
• Gas Car
• Gas car
• Gas car.
• Gas power at low.
• Gas.
• Gas.
• GAS.
• Gas.
• Gas.
• GAS.
• gasoline
• Gasoline
• Gasoline
• Gasoline
• Gasoline car
• gasoline powered car since there isn't enough electricity • Gasoline.
• GASOLINE.
• Horse Drawn Carriage ;-)
• Hybrid
• Hybrid
• hybrid
• HYBRID
• Hybrid
• Hybrid not plug-in.
• Hybrid.
• Hybrid.
• Hybrid.
• Hybrid.
• I have a hybrid plug-in and the parking situation is outrageous people get parking citations in their own driveways in Palo Alto.
• I want a hybrid car, not electric
• ICE.
• I'm keeping my car. It's paid for.
• INTERNAL COMBUSTION - GASOLIAN.
• internal combustion engine
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
116
Packet Pg. 121 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• Internal combustion engine
• internal combustion engine
• IVE car
• Like a gas/electric Prius. No charging station in our senior apartment. • Need to consider the price to charge the electric car. • No place to plug in or recharge.
• non plug-in hybrid
• non-plug in hybrid
• Not going to buy a car.
• Not planning to purchase.
• Old school has car, used
• OWN ALL ELECTRIC NOW.
• Personal assistant driver.
• PRIUS E 46 MPC.
• Regular car with gas.
• Regular engined car
• regular gas car
• standard hybrid
• Standard Hybrid
• There aren't other options
• traditional gasoline
• Unlikely to buy a petrol fueled vehicle.
• very unlikely gasoline or diesel.
• Very unlikely to purchase gas-only vehicle
• We own 2 electric vehicles.
• We own only one car. I just purchased my leased car, drive it very few miles yearly, and plan to keep it for many years.
• Will keep my car for at least another 10 years
• Will likely not buy a traditional ice car
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
117
Packet Pg. 122 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Appendix C: Results to Open -Participation Survey
About the Open-Participation Survey
After the data collection period for the probability, address-based survey was underway, the City made available a web-based survey to its residents through a link on the City’s website and on social media. Visitors to the site were able to complete the survey from September 8 – September 22, 2023 and 95 surveys were received. This section contains the results of this open participation web-based survey. These data were not collected through a random sample and it is unknown who in the community was aware of the survey; therefore, a level of confidence in the representativeness of the sample cannot be estimated. However, to reduce bias where possible, these data were weighted to match the demographic characteristics of the 2020 Census and 2021 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Palo Alto. The results of the weighting scheme for the open participation survey are presented in the following table.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
118
Packet Pg. 123 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 111: Palo Alto, CA 2021 Weighting Table
Characteristic Population Norm Unweighted Data Weighted Data Housing
Rent home 44% 20% 38%
Own home 56% 80% 62%
Detached unit* 59% 82% 65%
Attached unit* 41% 18% 35%
Race and Ethnicity
White 57% 70% 58%
Not white 43% 30% 42%
Not Hispanic 94% 90% 84%
Hispanic 6% 10% 16%
Sex and Age
Female 52% 62% 58%
Male 48% 38% 42%
18-34 years of age 24% 3% 16%
35-54 years of age 35% 37% 35%
55+ years of age 41% 60% 48%
Females 18-34 11% 2% 11%
Females 35-54 18% 28% 19%
Females 55+ 23% 32% 28%
Males 18-34 13% 1% 6%
Males 35-54 17% 8% 16%
Males 55+ 18% 28% 20%
* U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2021 5-year estimates
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
119
Packet Pg. 124 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Results Tables
Table 112: Question 1 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Palo Alto as a place to live 34% N=30 48% N=42 13% N=11 5% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=88 Your neighborhood as a place to live 35% N=32 50% N=46 8% N=8 6% N=6 0% N=0 100% N=92 Palo Alto as a place to raise children 29% N=27 41% N=37 21% N=20 3% N=2 7% N=6 100% N=92 Palo Alto as a place to work 19% N=18 34% N=31 20% N=18 8% N=7 20% N=18 100% N=92 Palo Alto as a place to visit 25% N=23 33% N=30 24% N=23 9% N=9 8% N=8 100% N=92 Palo Alto as a place to retire 19% N=17 35% N=32 21% N=19 17% N=15 9% N=8 100% N=91 The overall quality of life in Palo Alto 25% N=23 53% N=50 13% N=12 8% N=8 0% N=0 100% N=93
Table 113: Question 1 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Palo Alto as a place to live 34% N=30 48% N=42 13% N=11 5% N=4 100% N=88 Your neighborhood as a place to live 35% N=32 50% N=46 8% N=8 6% N=6 100% N=92 Palo Alto as a place to raise children 31% N=27 43% N=37 23% N=20 3% N=2 100% N=86 Palo Alto as a place to work 24% N=18 42% N=31 24% N=18 10% N=7 100% N=74 Palo Alto as a place to visit 27% N=23 36% N=30 27% N=23 10% N=9 100% N=85 Palo Alto as a place to retire 21% N=17 38% N=32 23% N=19 18% N=15 100% N=83 The overall quality of life in Palo Alto 25% N=23 53% N=50 13% N=12 8% N=8 100% N=93
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
120
Packet Pg. 125 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 114: Question 2 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor
Don't
know Total
Overall "built environment" of Palo Alto (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) 11% N=10 51% N=48 22% N=20 14% N=13 2% N=2 100% N=93 Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto 18% N=16 62% N=57 11% N=10 10% N=9 0% N=0 100% N=92 Overall quality of natural environment in Palo Alto 28% N=26 56% N=52 16% N=15 0% N=0 0% N=0 100% N=93 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Palo Alto 23% N=22 47% N=43 22% N=21 5% N=4 3% N=3 100% N=93 Residents' connection and engagement with their community 10% N=9 41% N=38 31% N=29 16% N=15 1% N=1 100% N=92
Table 115: Question 2 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Overall "built environment" of Palo Alto (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) 11% N=10 52% N=48 22% N=20 14% N=13 100% N=91 Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto 18% N=16 62% N=57 11% N=10 10% N=9 100% N=92 Overall quality of natural environment in Palo Alto 28% N=26 56% N=52 16% N=15 0% N=0 100% N=93 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Palo Alto 24% N=22 48% N=43 23% N=21 5% N=4 100% N=90 Residents' connection and engagement with their community 10% N=9 42% N=38 32% N=29 17% N=15 100% N=91
Table 116: Question 3 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do
each of the following: Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Don't
know Total
Recommend living in Palo Alto to someone who asks 36% N=31 35% N=30 17% N=14 12% N=10 0% N=0 100% N=87 Remain in Palo Alto for the next five years 51% N=47 38% N=35 4% N=4 4% N=3 4% N=4 100% N=93 Recommend Palo Alto’s libraries to friends 67% N=62 25% N=23 4% N=3 1% N=1 3% N=2 100% N=92
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
121
Packet Pg. 126 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 117: Question 3 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following: Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Total
Recommend living in Palo Alto to someone who asks 36% N=31 35% N=30 17% N=14 12% N=10 100% N=87 Remain in Palo Alto for the next five years 53% N=47 39% N=35 4% N=4 4% N=3 100% N=89 Recommend Palo Alto’s libraries to friends 69% N=62 26% N=23 4% N=3 1% N=1 100% N=90
Table 118: Question 4 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the job you feel the Palo Alto community does at each of the following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Making all residents feel welcome 16% N=14 44% N=40 15% N=14 21% N=19 4% N=4 100% N=91 Attracting people from diverse backgrounds 20% N=19 33% N=30 9% N=8 33% N=30 4% N=4 100% N=91 Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds 25% N=23 42% N=38 14% N=13 19% N=18 0% N=0 100% N=91 Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) 8% N=7 39% N=36 21% N=20 18% N=17 13% N=12 100% N=92
Table 119: Question 4 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the job you feel the Palo Alto community does at each of the following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Making all residents feel welcome 17% N=14 46% N=40 16% N=14 21% N=19 100% N=87 Attracting people from diverse backgrounds 21% N=19 35% N=30 10% N=8 34% N=30 100% N=87 Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds 25% N=23 42% N=38 14% N=13 19% N=18 100% N=91 Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) 9% N=7 45% N=36 25% N=20 21% N=17 100% N=80
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
122
Packet Pg. 127 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 120: Question 5 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Overall quality of business and service establishments in Palo Alto 15% N=14 52% N=48 23% N=21 8% N=8 2% N=2 100% N=93 Variety of business and service establishments in Palo Alto 7% N=7 39% N=35 28% N=25 25% N=23 1% N=1 100% N=90 Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area 7% N=6 44% N=41 25% N=23 21% N=20 2% N=2 100% N=92 Employment opportunities 7% N=7 34% N=31 23% N=21 3% N=3 33% N=30 100% N=92 Shopping opportunities 15% N=14 44% N=40 19% N=18 22% N=20 0% N=0 100% N=92 Cost of living in Palo Alto 1% N=1 5% N=4 30% N=26 63% N=54 0% N=0 100% N=85 Overall image or reputation of Palo Alto 24% N=22 41% N=37 33% N=30 2% N=2 0% N=0 100% N=91 Traffic flow on major streets 3% N=3 40% N=37 36% N=33 20% N=19 0% N=0 100% N=92 Ease of public parking 17% N=15 52% N=48 18% N=16 14% N=13 0% N=0 100% N=92 Ease of travel by car in Palo Alto 22% N=20 54% N=50 20% N=18 4% N=3 0% N=0 100% N=92 Ease of travel by public transportation in Palo Alto 4% N=4 16% N=14 17% N=15 41% N=37 23% N=21 100% N=91 Ease of travel by bicycle in Palo Alto 20% N=19 31% N=28 28% N=26 8% N=7 13% N=12 100% N=92 Ease of walking in Palo Alto 26% N=23 50% N=44 12% N=10 13% N=12 0% N=0 100% N=90 Variety of housing options 7% N=6 22% N=20 24% N=22 41% N=37 6% N=5 100% N=89 Availability of affordable quality housing 3% N=3 2% N=2 17% N=15 59% N=51 19% N=17 100% N=87 Recreational opportunities 21% N=19 32% N=29 35% N=31 7% N=6 4% N=4 100% N=90 Availability of affordable quality mental health care 2% N=2 13% N=12 15% N=14 31% N=29 39% N=36 100% N=92 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities 15% N=13 49% N=45 18% N=17 13% N=12 5% N=5 100% N=91
Table 121: Question 5 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Palo Alto 15% N=14 53% N=48 23% N=21 8% N=8 100% N=91 Variety of business and service establishments in Palo Alto 7% N=7 39% N=35 28% N=25 25% N=23 100% N=89 Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area 7% N=6 45% N=41 26% N=23 22% N=20 100% N=90 Employment opportunities 11% N=7 50% N=31 34% N=21 5% N=3 100% N=62 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
123
Packet Pg. 128 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Shopping opportunities 15% N=14 44% N=40 19% N=18 22% N=20 100% N=92 Cost of living in Palo Alto 1% N=1 5% N=4 30% N=26 63% N=54 100% N=85 Overall image or reputation of Palo Alto 24% N=22 41% N=37 33% N=30 2% N=2 100% N=91 Traffic flow on major streets 3% N=3 40% N=37 36% N=33 20% N=19 100% N=92 Ease of public parking 17% N=15 52% N=48 18% N=16 14% N=13 100% N=92 Ease of travel by car in Palo Alto 22% N=20 54% N=50 20% N=18 4% N=3 100% N=92 Ease of travel by public transportation in Palo Alto 5% N=4 20% N=14 22% N=15 53% N=37 100% N=70 Ease of travel by bicycle in Palo Alto 23% N=19 35% N=28 32% N=26 9% N=7 100% N=80 Ease of walking in Palo Alto 26% N=23 50% N=44 12% N=10 13% N=12 100% N=90 Variety of housing options 7% N=6 24% N=20 26% N=22 44% N=37 100% N=84 Availability of affordable quality housing 4% N=3 2% N=2 21% N=15 72% N=51 100% N=70 Recreational opportunities 22% N=19 34% N=29 36% N=31 7% N=6 100% N=86 Availability of affordable quality mental health care 3% N=2 21% N=12 24% N=14 51% N=29 100% N=56 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities 16% N=13 52% N=45 19% N=17 13% N=12 100% N=87
Table 122: Question 6 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool 2% N=2 16% N=14 15% N=14 30% N=27 37% N=33 100% N=91 K-12 education 34% N=31 30% N=27 13% N=12 13% N=12 10% N=9 100% N=91 Adult educational opportunities 17% N=15 35% N=31 21% N=19 8% N=7 20% N=18 100% N=90 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities 11% N=10 57% N=52 14% N=12 12% N=11 6% N=5 100% N=90 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds 14% N=13 42% N=39 20% N=19 19% N=18 4% N=4 100% N=92 Opportunities to learn about City services through social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor 9% N=8 53% N=48 21% N=19 4% N=4 12% N=11 100% N=90
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
124
Packet Pg. 129 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 123: Question 6 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool 4% N=2 25% N=14 24% N=14 48% N=27 100% N=57 K-12 education 38% N=31 33% N=27 15% N=12 14% N=12 100% N=82 Adult educational opportunities 21% N=15 43% N=31 27% N=19 10% N=7 100% N=73 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities 12% N=10 61% N=52 14% N=12 13% N=11 100% N=85 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds 14% N=13 44% N=39 21% N=19 20% N=18 100% N=88 Opportunities to learn about City services through social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor 10% N=8 61% N=48 24% N=19 5% N=4 100% N=79
Table 124: Question 7 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. No Yes Total Used Palo Alto recreation centers or their services 56% N=51 44% N=40 100% N=90 Visited a neighborhood park or City park 3% N=3 97% N=88 100% N=91 Used Palo Alto public libraries or their services 20% N=18 80% N=73 100% N=91 Participated in religious or spiritual activities in Palo Alto 71% N=64 29% N=26 100% N=90 Attended a City-sponsored event 41% N=37 59% N=54 100% N=91 Participated in a club 86% N=79 14% N=12 100% N=91
Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors 9% N=8 91% N=82 100% N=90 Done a favor for a neighbor 17% N=16 83% N=75 100% N=90 Used the City’s website to conduct business or pay bills 48% N=43 52% N=47 100% N=91 Used the Utilities webpage to conduct business or pay bills 36% N=33 64% N=58 100% N=91 Contacted the City of Palo Alto (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information 32% N=29 68% N=62 100% N=91 Contacted Palo Alto elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion 60% N=54 40% N=37 100% N=91 Attended a local public meeting (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.) 60% N=54 40% N=37 100% N=91 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting 49% N=44 51% N=47 100% N=91 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Palo Alto 49% N=44 51% N=46 100% N=90 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
125
Packet Pg. 130 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. No Yes Total Walked or biked instead of driving 12% N=11 88% N=78 100% N=88 Observed a code violation or other hazard in Palo Alto (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 39% N=36 61% N=55 100% N=91 Household member was a victim of a crime in Palo Alto 84% N=76 16% N=15 100% N=90 Reported a crime to the police in Palo Alto 80% N=72 20% N=18 100% N=90 Stocked 14 days’ worth of supplies in case of a major disaster where you have no electricity, water, internet, or telephone service 65% N=59 35% N=32 100% N=91 *This question did not have a "don't know" option.
Table 125: Question 8 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Please rate the following categories of Palo Alto government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
The value of services for the taxes paid to Palo Alto 13% N=12 37% N=34 27% N=25 20% N=18 3% N=3 100% N=92 The overall direction that Palo Alto is taking 3% N=3 31% N=28 36% N=33 23% N=21 7% N=7 100% N=91 The job Palo Alto government does at welcoming resident involvement 4% N=4 31% N=28 32% N=29 19% N=17 14% N=12 100% N=91 Overall confidence in Palo Alto government 4% N=3 24% N=22 45% N=40 23% N=20 4% N=4 100% N=90 Generally acting in the best interest of the community 3% N=3 37% N=34 30% N=27 27% N=24 2% N=2 100% N=91 Being honest 4% N=4 42% N=38 29% N=26 17% N=15 8% N=7 100% N=90 Being open and transparent to the public 4% N=4 35% N=32 32% N=29 21% N=19 7% N=7 100% N=91 Informing residents about issues facing the community 5% N=5 41% N=37 30% N=27 17% N=15 7% N=6 100% N=90 Treating all residents fairly 6% N=6 29% N=26 25% N=23 25% N=22 15% N=14 100% N=91 Treating residents with respect 12% N=11 36% N=33 27% N=24 17% N=15 8% N=7 100% N=91
Table 126: Question 8 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the following categories of Palo Alto government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total The value of services for the taxes paid to Palo Alto 13% N=12 38% N=34 28% N=25 20% N=18 100% N=89 The overall direction that Palo Alto is taking 3% N=3 33% N=28 39% N=33 25% N=21 100% N=84 The job Palo Alto government does at welcoming resident involvement 5% N=4 36% N=28 37% N=29 22% N=17 100% N=79 Overall confidence in Palo Alto government 4% N=3 26% N=22 47% N=40 24% N=20 100% N=86 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
126
Packet Pg. 131 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please rate the following categories of Palo Alto government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Generally acting in the best interest of the community 3% N=3 38% N=34 31% N=27 28% N=24 100% N=89 Being honest 4% N=4 46% N=38 32% N=26 18% N=15 100% N=83 Being open and transparent to the public 4% N=4 38% N=32 35% N=29 23% N=19 100% N=84 Informing residents about issues facing the community 6% N=5 44% N=37 32% N=27 18% N=15 100% N=84 Treating all residents fairly 7% N=6 34% N=26 30% N=23 29% N=22 100% N=77 Treating residents with respect 13% N=11 39% N=33 29% N=24 18% N=15 100% N=84
Table 127: Question 9 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor
Don't
know Total
The City of Palo Alto 10% N=9 58% N=52 18% N=16 14% N=13 0% N=0 100% N=91 The State Government 4% N=3 42% N=38 25% N=22 24% N=22 6% N=5 100% N=91 The Federal Government 2% N=2 42% N=38 34% N=30 15% N=14 8% N=7 100% N=90
Table 128: Question 9 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Total
The City of Palo Alto 10% N=9 58% N=52 18% N=16 14% N=13 100% N=90 The State Government 4% N=3 44% N=38 26% N=22 26% N=22 100% N=86 The Federal Government 2% N=2 46% N=38 36% N=30 16% N=14 100% N=83
Table 129: Question 10 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Traffic enforcement 5% N=4 34% N=30 30% N=27 25% N=22 6% N=5 100% N=87 Traffic signal timing 2% N=2 53% N=44 24% N=20 18% N=15 3% N=2 100% N=84 Street repair 5% N=5 33% N=28 39% N=32 23% N=19 0% N=0 100% N=84 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
127
Packet Pg. 132 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Street cleaning 17% N=16 59% N=54 20% N=18 2% N=2 1% N=1 100% N=91 Street tree maintenance 16% N=15 53% N=48 19% N=18 10% N=9 1% N=1 100% N=91 Sidewalk maintenance 14% N=13 41% N=38 26% N=24 14% N=13 4% N=3 100% N=91 Land use, planning, and zoning 2% N=2 25% N=22 27% N=24 32% N=29 15% N=13 100% N=91 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 4% N=4 36% N=32 26% N=23 20% N=18 15% N=13 100% N=90 Preservation of natural areas (open space, farmlands, and greenbelts) 28% N=24 48% N=42 19% N=17 3% N=3 2% N=2 100% N=87 Building and planning application processing services 3% N=2 18% N=16 26% N=24 21% N=19 33% N=30 100% N=90 Affordable high-speed internet access 12% N=11 28% N=25 15% N=14 26% N=23 19% N=18 100% N=91 Electric utility 14% N=13 48% N=42 19% N=17 8% N=7 11% N=10 100% N=89 Gas utility 14% N=12 43% N=38 19% N=17 8% N=7 16% N=14 100% N=88 Utility payment options 23% N=21 54% N=48 9% N=8 2% N=2 12% N=11 100% N=90 Drinking water 46% N=42 41% N=37 6% N=5 6% N=6 1% N=1 100% N=90 Sewer services 25% N=23 51% N=46 4% N=4 7% N=7 13% N=12 100% N=90 Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees,
etc.) 15% N=13 51% N=45 15% N=14 11% N=10 8% N=7 100% N=89 Refuse collection (garbage, recycling, yard waste, and e- waste) 27% N=25 52% N=47 18% N=16 3% N=3 0% N=0 100% N=91 Police services 23% N=21 42% N=38 7% N=7 6% N=5 21% N=19 100% N=90 Crime prevention 10% N=9 30% N=27 38% N=35 9% N=8 13% N=12 100% N=91 Animal control 19% N=17 33% N=29 6% N=5 6% N=6 35% N=30 100% N=87 Ambulance or emergency medical services 29% N=26 36% N=32 2% N=2 1% N=0 32% N=29 100% N=90 Fire emergency services 34% N=30 35% N=31 2% N=2 0% N=0 30% N=26 100% N=89 Fire prevention and education 12% N=11 33% N=29 9% N=8 9% N=8 37% N=34 100% N=90 Palo Alto open space 44% N=39 37% N=33 16% N=14 2% N=2 2% N=2 100% N=90 City parks 40% N=36 41% N=37 14% N=13 5% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=90 Recreation programs or classes 13% N=12 44% N=39 14% N=12 7% N=6 21% N=19 100% N=88 Recreation centers or facilities 15% N=13 48% N=40 11% N=9 8% N=6 18% N=15 100% N=84 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
128
Packet Pg. 133 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Public library services (e.g., hold requests, storytimes, teen events, bookclubs) 40% N=36 38% N=34 6% N=5 6% N=5 10% N=9 100% N=89 Library facilities (buildings, computer equipment,
accessibility) 40% N=36 44% N=40 7% N=6 1% N=1 8% N=7 100% N=90 Variety of library materials (books, e-books, streaming, databases, audiobooks) 37% N=32 42% N=36 5% N=5 8% N=7 8% N=7 100% N=86 Art programs and theater 19% N=17 43% N=38 11% N=9 2% N=1 26% N=23 100% N=89 City-sponsored special events 12% N=11 42% N=38 19% N=17 9% N=8 18% N=16 100% N=89 City website (cityofpaloalto.org) 10% N=9 50% N=45 24% N=21 9% N=8 7% N=6 100% N=89 Public information (Police/public safety) 10% N=9 52% N=46 20% N=17 7% N=6 10% N=9 100% N=89 Public information (non-Police/public safety) 10% N=9 57% N=51 13% N=11 9% N=8 10% N=9 100% N=89 Overall customer service by Palo Alto employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) 15% N=13 51% N=44 15% N=13 10% N=9 9% N=8 100% N=87
Table 130: Question 10 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Traffic enforcement 5% N=4 36% N=30 32% N=27 27% N=22 100% N=82 Traffic signal timing 2% N=2 54% N=44 25% N=20 19% N=15 100% N=82 Street repair 5% N=5 33% N=28 39% N=32 23% N=19 100% N=84 Street cleaning 18% N=16 60% N=54 20% N=18 2% N=2 100% N=90 Street tree maintenance 17% N=15 54% N=48 20% N=18 10% N=9 100% N=90 Sidewalk maintenance 15% N=13 43% N=38 27% N=24 15% N=13 100% N=88 Land use, planning, and zoning 2% N=2 29% N=22 31% N=24 38% N=29 100% N=78 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) 5% N=4 42% N=32 30% N=23 23% N=18 100% N=77 Preservation of natural areas (open space, farmlands, and greenbelts) 28% N=24 49% N=42 19% N=17 4% N=3 100% N=86 Building and planning application processing services 4% N=2 27% N=16 39% N=24 31% N=19 100% N=61 Affordable high-speed internet access 15% N=11 35% N=25 19% N=14 32% N=23 100% N=73 Electric utility 16% N=13 54% N=42 21% N=17 9% N=7 100% N=79 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
129
Packet Pg. 134 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Palo Alto: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Gas utility 17% N=12 52% N=38 23% N=17 9% N=7 100% N=74 Utility payment options 26% N=21 61% N=48 10% N=8 3% N=2 100% N=79 Drinking water 47% N=42 41% N=37 6% N=5 6% N=6 100% N=89 Sewer services 29% N=23 58% N=46 5% N=4 8% N=7 100% N=78 Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees, etc.) 16% N=13 55% N=45 17% N=14 12% N=10 100% N=82 Refuse collection (garbage, recycling, yard waste, and e-waste) 27% N=25 52% N=47 18% N=16 3% N=3 100% N=90 Police services 29% N=21 54% N=38 9% N=7 7% N=5 100% N=71 Crime prevention 11% N=9 34% N=27 44% N=35 10% N=8 100% N=79 Animal control 30% N=17 51% N=29 10% N=5 10% N=6 100% N=57 Ambulance or emergency medical services 43% N=26 53% N=32 3% N=2 1% N=0 100% N=61 Fire emergency services 48% N=30 50% N=31 3% N=2 0% N=0 100% N=63 Fire prevention and education 19% N=11 52% N=29 14% N=8 15% N=8 100% N=56 Palo Alto open space 45% N=39 37% N=33 16% N=14 2% N=2 100% N=88 City parks 40% N=36 41% N=37 14% N=13 5% N=4 100% N=90
Recreation programs or classes 17% N=12 57% N=39 18% N=12 9% N=6 100% N=70 Recreation centers or facilities 19% N=13 59% N=40 13% N=9 9% N=6 100% N=69 Public library services (e.g., hold requests, storytimes, teen events, bookclubs) 45% N=36 42% N=34 6% N=5 7% N=5 100% N=80
Library facilities (buildings, computer equipment, accessibility) 43% N=36 48% N=40 7% N=6 1% N=1 100% N=82 Variety of library materials (books, e-books, streaming, databases, audiobooks) 40% N=32 46% N=36 6% N=5 8% N=7 100% N=79
Art programs and theater 26% N=17 58% N=38 14% N=9 2% N=1 100% N=66 City-sponsored special events 15% N=11 51% N=38 23% N=17 11% N=8 100% N=73 City website (cityofpaloalto.org) 11% N=9 54% N=45 25% N=21 10% N=8 100% N=83 Public information (Police/public safety) 12% N=9 58% N=46 22% N=17 8% N=6 100% N=80 Public information (non-Police/public safety) 12% N=9 64% N=51 14% N=11 10% N=8 100% N=80 Overall customer service by Palo Alto employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) 17% N=13 56% N=44 16% N=13 11% N=9 100% N=79
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
130
Packet Pg. 135 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 131: Question 11 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents including "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the following as they relate to Palo Alto Utilities’ services: Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know Total
Reliability of utility services 23% N=20 59% N=52 13% N=12 3% N=2 3% N=3 100% N=89 Affordability of utility services 8% N=7 37% N=32 34% N=30 16% N=14 6% N=5 100% N=89 Community value received from the City owning and
operating its own municipal utility services 18% N=16 53% N=47 14% N=12 7% N=6 8% N=7 100% N=87 Utilities online customer self-service features 16% N=14 44% N=38 12% N=10 4% N=3 25% N=22 100% N=87 Providing opportunities for energy and water efficiency at home or business 8% N=7 45% N=38 19% N=16 6% N=5 22% N=18 100% N=85 Working hard to keep utilities prices competitive 10% N=8 37% N=32 24% N=21 13% N=12 16% N=14 100% N=87 Value of all the services Palo Alto Utilities provides for the price you pay 6% N=6 53% N=47 20% N=18 11% N=10 10% N=9 100% N=89 Ease of obtaining information or performing a transaction through the City’s website 6% N=5 38% N=34 16% N=14 13% N=12 28% N=25 100% N=90 Value of Palo Alto Utilities’ customer communications 14% N=12 40% N=35 22% N=20 4% N=3 21% N=19 100% N=89 Ease of contacting Utilities department staff 13% N=11 36% N=32 14% N=13 13% N=11 24% N=21 100% N=88 Speed of response after contacting Utilities department staff 15% N=13 35% N=31 15% N=13 5% N=4 30% N=27 100% N=89
Table 132: Question 11 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Please rate the following as they relate to Palo Alto Utilities’ services: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Reliability of utility services 23% N=20 60% N=52 14% N=12 3% N=2 100% N=86 Affordability of utility services 8% N=7 39% N=32 36% N=30 17% N=14 100% N=84 Community value received from the City owning and operating its own municipal utility services 19% N=16 58% N=47 15% N=12 7% N=6 100% N=80 Utilities online customer self-service features 21% N=14 58% N=38 16% N=10 5% N=3 100% N=65 Providing opportunities for energy and water efficiency at home or business 11% N=7 57% N=38 25% N=16 7% N=5 100% N=67 Working hard to keep utilities prices competitive 11% N=8 44% N=32 29% N=21 16% N=12 100% N=73 Value of all the services Palo Alto Utilities provides for the price you pay 7% N=6 58% N=47 22% N=18 13% N=10 100% N=80 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
131
Packet Pg. 136 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Please rate the following as they relate to Palo Alto Utilities’ services: Excellent Good Fair Poor Total Ease of obtaining information or performing a transaction through the City’s website 8% N=5 52% N=34 22% N=14 18% N=12 100% N=65
Value of Palo Alto Utilities’ customer communications 17% N=12 50% N=35 28% N=20 5% N=3 100% N=71 Ease of contacting Utilities department staff 16% N=11 48% N=32 19% N=13 17% N=11 100% N=67 Speed of response after contacting Utilities department staff 22% N=13 50% N=31 21% N=13 7% N=4 100% N=62
Table 133: Question 12 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Palo Alto community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Essential
Very
important
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important Total
Overall “built environment” of Palo Alto (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) 33% N=29 51% N=45 16% N=15 0% N=0 100% N=88 Overall economic health of Palo Alto 43% N=38 39% N=34 17% N=15 2% N=1 100% N=89 Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto 60% N=54 22% N=19 18% N=16 0% N=0 100% N=89 Overall quality of natural environment in Palo Alto 30% N=27 57% N=51 13% N=11 1% N=1 100% N=90 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Palo Alto 17% N=15 53% N=48 25% N=23 5% N=4 100% N=90 Overall opportunities for education, culture and the arts 32% N=28 40% N=36 27% N=24 2% N=2 100% N=90 Residents' connection and engagement with their community 20% N=18 56% N=50 22% N=20 2% N=2 100% N=90 Reducing community greenhouse gas emissions 14% N=12 48% N=43 26% N=23 12% N=10 100% N=89 Increasing local solar generation capacity within city boundaries 15% N=13 42% N=37 31% N=27 12% N=11 100% N=88 Increasing electric storage capacity within city boundaries 11% N=10 46% N=41 34% N=30 9% N=8 100% N=89 Faster notification systems (online, mobile or email) for Utilities billing issues, efficiency tips, outage information 18% N=16 30% N=27 46% N=41 6% N=5 100% N=89 Faster notification systems (online, mobile or email) for public safety issues 18% N=16 56% N=49 22% N=20 4% N=3 100% N=88 *This question did not have a "don't know" option.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
132
Packet Pg. 137 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 134: Question 13 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Including "Don't Know" Responses In a typical week, how likely are you to: Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely
Don't
know Total
Participate in organized group activities (such as clubs, sports teams, volunteer your time, attend church/temple) 32% N=28 32% N=28 16% N=14 19% N=16 1% N=1 100% N=88 Spend quality time with local friends, family, and/or
neighbors 64% N=57 26% N=24 6% N=6 4% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=90
Table 135: Question 13 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Without "Don't Know" Responses In a typical week, how likely are you to: Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Total
Participate in organized group activities (such as clubs, sports teams, volunteer your time, attend church/temple) 32% N=28 33% N=28 16% N=14 19% N=16 100% N=87 Spend quality time with local friends, family, and/or neighbors 64% N=57 26% N=24 6% N=6 4% N=4 100% N=90
Table 136: Question 14 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents What mode of transportation do you use most for your typical daily needs for getting around town? Percent Number Driving 70% N=64
Walking 13% N=11
Biking 12% N=11
Bus 0% N=0
Train 0% N=0
Free shuttle 0% N=0
Taxi 0% N=0
Uber/Lyft or similar rideshare service 5% N=4
Carpooling 0% N=0
Total 100% N=91
*This question did not have a "don't know" option.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
133
Packet Pg. 138 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 137: Question 15 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents In a typical week, how likely are you to: Very convenient Somewhat convenient Somewhat inconvenient Very inconvenient Total Walking 21% N=18 58% N=50 12% N=10 9% N=8 100% N=87
Biking 29% N=25 37% N=32 19% N=17 15% N=13 100% N=86
Bus 2% N=1 22% N=19 25% N=21 51% N=43 100% N=84
Train 7% N=6 26% N=22 24% N=20 44% N=38 100% N=86
Free shuttle 14% N=12 29% N=24 45% N=37 12% N=10 100% N=83 Taxi 7% N=6 27% N=23 46% N=38 20% N=17 100% N=84
Uber/Lyft or similar rideshare service 50% N=43 33% N=29 8% N=7 8% N=7 100% N=86 Carpooling 2% N=1 42% N=34 25% N=21 30% N=25 100% N=81
*This question did not have a "don't know" option.
Table 138: Question 16 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents with "Don't Know" Responses If you plan to purchase a new car within the next two
years, what is the likelihood of it being: Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Don't know Total
All-electric 28% N=21 37% N=28 7% N=5 21% N=16 8% N=6 100% N=76 Plug-in hybrid 33% N=26 30% N=24 8% N=6 21% N=16 9% N=7 100% N=78 Hydrogen fuel cell 1% N=1 7% N=5 14% N=11 52% N=39 27% N=20 100% N=75 Other 16% N=9 4% N=2 1% N=0 15% N=8 64% N=37 100% N=57
Table 139: Question 16 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses If you plan to purchase a new car within the next two years, what is the likelihood of it being: Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Total
All-electric 30% N=21 40% N=28 7% N=5 22% N=16 100% N=70 Plug-in hybrid 36% N=26 33% N=24 8% N=6 22% N=16 100% N=71 Hydrogen fuel cell 1% N=1 9% N=5 19% N=11 70% N=39 100% N=55 Other 46% N=9 10% N=2 2% N=0 42% N=8 100% N=20
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
134
Packet Pg. 139 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 140: Question 17 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents with "Don't Know" Responses Palo Alto is committed to addressing climate change by
engaging in strategies that reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions (GHGs). Space heating is the largest source of GHG in most Palo Alto homes, followed by water heating.
What is the likelihood of you… Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Don't know Total
Replacing your gas water heater with a heat pump water
heater when you are ready to replace the water heater? 14% N=13 39% N=35 4% N=4 26% N=24 16% N=14 100% N=90 Replacing your gas furnace with a heat pump HVAC system (that provides heating and cooling) when you are ready to replace the furnace? 17% N=15 33% N=29 6% N=5 27% N=24 17% N=15 100% N=87
Table 141: Question 17 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents without "Don't Know" Responses Palo Alto is committed to addressing climate change by engaging in strategies that reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs). Space heating is the largest source of GHG in most Palo Alto homes, followed by water heating. What is the likelihood of you… Very likely
Somewhat
likely
Somewhat
unlikely
Very
unlikely Total
Replacing your gas water heater with a heat pump water heater when you are ready to replace the water heater? 17% N=13 46% N=35 5% N=4 31% N=24 100% N=76 Replacing your gas furnace with a heat pump HVAC system (that provides heating and cooling) when you are ready to replace the furnace? 20% N=15 39% N=29 7% N=5 33% N=24 100% N=73
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
135
Packet Pg. 140 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Demographic Questions
Table 142: Question D1 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: Percent Number
Very positive 3% N=3
Somewhat positive 25% N=22
Neutral 38% N=33
Somewhat negative 31% N=27
Very negative 4% N=3
Total 100% N=88
Table 143: Question D2 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents What is your employment status? Percent Number
Working full time for pay 56% N=49
Working part time for pay 4% N=3
Unemployed, looking for paid work 8% N=7
Unemployed, not looking for paid work 5% N=4
Fully retired 28% N=24
College student, unemployed 0% N=0
Total 100% N=87
Table 144: Question D3 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Do you work inside the boundaries of Palo Alto? Percent Number Yes, outside the home 12% N=11
Yes, from home 44% N=38
No 44% N=38
Total 100% N=86
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
136
Packet Pg. 141 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 145: Question D4 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents How many years have you lived in Palo Alto? Percent Number Less than 2 years 6% N=5
2 to 5 years 21% N=19
6 to 10 years 14% N=13
11 to 20 years 20% N=18
More than 20 years 39% N=35
Total 100% N=89
Table 146: Question D5 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Which best describes the building you live in? Percent Number One family house detached from any other houses 60% N=53 Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium) 32% N=28 Mobile home 5% N=4
Other 3% N=3
Total 100% N=89
Table 147: Question D6 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Do you rent or own your home? Percent Number
Rent 38% N=33
Own 62% N=53
Total 100% N=86
Table 148: Question D7 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners' association (HOA) fees)? Percent Number Less than $500 per month 1% N=1
$500 to $999 per month 7% N=6
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
137
Packet Pg. 142 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners' association (HOA) fees)? Percent Number $1,000 to $1,499 per month 11% N=9
$1,500 to $1,999 per month 6% N=5
$2,000 to $2,499 per month 9% N=8
$2,500 to $2,999 per month 8% N=7
$3,000 to $3,499 per month 9% N=7
$3,500 to $3,999 per month 3% N=2
$4,000 to $4,499 per month 3% N=3
$4,500 to $4,999 per month 0% N=0
$4,500 to $4,999 per month 11% N=9
$5,500 to $5,999 per month 4% N=4
$6,000 to $6,499 per month 3% N=3
$6,500 to $6,999 per month 2% N=1
$7,000 to $7,499 per month 1% N=1
$7,500 to $7,999 per month 2% N=1
$8,000 to $8,499 per month 5% N=4
$8,500 to $8,999 per month 0% N=0
$9,000 to $9,499 per month 0% N=0
$9,500 to $9,999 per month 0% N=0
$10,000 or more per month 12% N=9
Total 100% N=80
Table 149: Question D8 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Do any children 17 or under live in your household? Percent Number No 59% N=52
Yes 41% N=36
Total 100% N=88
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
138
Packet Pg. 143 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 150: Question D9 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? Percent Number No 61% N=54
Yes 39% N=35
Total 100% N=89
Table 151: Question D10 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.) Percent Number Less than $25,000 8% N=6
$25,000 to $49,999 5% N=3
$50,000 to $74,999 4% N=3
$75,000 to $99,999 12% N=9
$100,000 to $149,999 14% N=10
$150,000 to $199,999 9% N=6
$200,000 to $249,999 8% N=6
$250,000 to $299,999 4% N=3
$300,000 to $349,999 9% N=6
$350,000 to $399,999 9% N=6
$400,000 to $449,999 2% N=2
$450,000 to $499,999 17% N=12
$500,000 or more 0% N=0
Total 100% N=72
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
139
Packet Pg. 144 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 152: Question D11 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino? Percent Number
No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 84% N=71
Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino 16% N=13
Table 153: Question D12 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race(s) you consider yourself to be.) Percent Number American Indian or Alaskan Native 0% N=0
Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander 25% N=21
Black or African American 0% N=0
White 66% N=54
Other 17% N=14
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one option.
Table 154: Question D13 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents In which category is your age? Percent Number
18 to 24 years 0% N=0
25 to 34 years 16% N=14
35 to 44 years 19% N=16
45 to 54 years 17% N=15
55 to 64 years 14% N=13
65 to 74 years 21% N=19
75 years or older 12% N=11
Total 100% N=87
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
140
Packet Pg. 145 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Table 155: Question D14 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents What is your gender? Percent Number
Female 58% N=49
Male 42% N=36
Identify in another way 0% N=0
Total 100% N=85
Table 156: Question D14 - Response Percentages and Number of Respondents What is your sexual orientation? Percent Number
Heterosexual 99% N=80
Lesbian 0% N=0
Gay 1% N=0
Bisexual 1% N=1
Identify another way 0% N=0
Total 100% N=81
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
141
Packet Pg. 146 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Appendix D: Verbatim Responses to Open -ended
Questions from Open Participation Survey
Following are responses to questions 18 and 19. Responses are presented here in verbatim form, including any typographical, grammatical or other mistakes. Responses are in alphabetical order.
Question 18: As a resident of Palo Alto, what one change could the City make that would make you happier?
• Accountability from city attorney and city manager. Residents have lost respect for these individuals. Also the planning dept. director does not show ethical work. Staff reports are often thin.
• Additional affordable housing options and more representation of different cultures and lived experiences in positions of leadership.
• Affordable home prices (a very big ask, I realize)
• Bathrooms at all public parks!
• Better administrators in our schools. Most teachers are great - principals are less great. • Better inform public
• Better protect small businesses and greatly reduce business development! Reduce parking structures and focus on making Palo Alto much safer!
• Better public transportation and social and emotional focus in schools. PAUSD is not attractive anymore.
• Better walkable/bikable/public space NOT dedicated to cars while making it a better place to live for younger renters (I know, that is more than one item). • Build affordable housing scattered throughout the community. • Change the voting rules such that people who are most impacted by school board policies (all district parents, high school students) are allowed to vote. Right now, a majority of the voters don't even have children in the district, and many who do can't vote for a variety of reasons even though they pay heavily into the tax base that funds the district. • Considering real actual safety more import than "Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto" • Continue to prioritize bike and pedestrians. The transportation department has done a good job but we could still do more to help make our city rely less on cars and make our streets safer for other modes of transportation.
• Crime prevention.
• Don't outlaw gas appliances.
• Enforce traffic laws by ticketing offenders and making the roads more safe. • Ensure road safety for bicycles!!!
• Face the truth about GHG emissions. CPAU covers up its emissions with RECs, and indeed it is ludicrous to electrify space heating since CPAU has already made the gas carbon neutral. • Fast Internet service to my home.
• Fiber WiFi
• Figure out how to maintain neighborhood from being too congested with state mandated construction/dividing parcels
• Fix the Planning and Development Dept.
• Fix the rotten El Camino. It's a horrible road surface. Pot holes and gravel. Cut weeds along ALL roads. Looks embarassing.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
142
Packet Pg. 147 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• Fix your stupid website
• Get more young people ie under 40 to be involved with volunteering and in city politics! ESL speakers too! And get a mental health professional for the emergency services people to have access to whenever they need it.
• Have a city council that is not paralyzed, i.e., a city council that can make decisions in a reasonable period of time and without endless consultants. • hold drivers and bicyclists accountable for safety on the roads • I would like Foothills Park will be open free for Palo Alto residents, as we had before 2021 • Improve road repair/maintenance
• Improve the maintenance of the streets.
• Improved safety
• Improving jobs/housing imbalance by reducing jobs
• Increased public safety (fire and police) capability
• K-12 education need to be better. I moved here for my kids education and now have them in private school because class sizes are going up and education quality going down • Keep living cost down
• less people, less, cars, less busy noisy streets, lower housing prices, more private independent schools there seems to be a demand for this and not enough private independent schools for the number of people who want to attend seems like a lot of people are getting waitlisted who want to attend private independent schools would be nice if there were more for the demand • Lower taxes
• Make it a place that people who aren't millionaires would be able to live. Diversity isn't just about ethnicity, and we can't call ourselves dudes just because we have a few kinds of ethnic diversity.
Socioeconomic diversity is impo
• Make it much safer to walk by (1) better enforcement of pedestrian crossings (2) better control of dogs (too many people get bitten and scared), (3) get homeowners to prune their fences which come over to the sidewalks
• more affordable housing
• More affordable housing for families with children
• More community engagement opportunities or awareness of them via local govt media channel via opt-in phone text or email and optionally phone e-calls for elderly that do not use computers/smart phones
• More down to earth and blue collar experiences
• More frequent cleaning of public bathrooms in parks
• More input from residents
• More programming for children
• More protected bike lanes
• More protected Bike lanes
• more resources for elderly and/or disabled
• More things for families. The Palo Alto Arts and Wine festival is not family friendly nothing for kids to do there. And the May Fete Parade, which is FOR CHILDREN, is just a parade and then a bunch of groups giving out flyers. My kids hate going, even though we live very close. • More truly affordable housing
• Moving more quickly for programs to benefit current residents, especially youth • Neighborhood community and affordable utility bill
• No dogs in school premises.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
143
Packet Pg. 148 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• Open, truthful, timely communications by city manager, city attorney, planning director, planning department. The years and years long city communications Castilleja project was a shameful disaster.
• Opportunities for casual fun have vanished over the twenty years we've lived here. Bowling alley, laser tag, mini golf, all are gone. Soon Great America will be gone too. I know not everything was always in PA. But now nothing is (other than Winter Lodge ice skating). It's not that the city government needs to provide these fun social places, but city policies have not valued such things and so they disappear and are replaced by hotels and such that do not make living here better for the residents.Young people don't have fun, safe, interesting places to meet up and do something safe, legal, and happy with friends. • PAUSD leadership created a hostile environment for many students and families, including mine. Please address the bias and improve transparency at PAUSD. This can be improved by allowing all district parents and perhaps also students that are over 16 to vote for the school board, regardless of immigration status.
• pave the streets in the Ventura neighborhood, better landscape on the streets. • promote and develop retail within walking distance: restaurants, grocery, etc. • Provide a one-stop service to help me take advantage of all the city, state, and federal rebates for energy efficiency/solar PV/EVs, etc.
• Provide efficient cost-effective services and STOP virtue-signalling programs re mental health, weekly recipes and sustainability that won't change the world. Stop traffic calming and lane reductions that cause gridlock.
• Put all power lines under ground.
• Real estate market
• Reforming the Planning Department.
• Repairing El camino Real as it has damaged our tires several times. We are like in a 3er world country.
• Return to low crime rate via increased active police enforcement/arrest of criminals (who typically come from elsewhere to commit crimes in this city) • Return to the quality of city management in the 1980's, and make all green energy programs optional for residents.
• Stop assuming we all own houses. And end all the empty houses • Stop growing.
• Stop or slow down the shut-off of the City gas service! Our house cannot be converted to electric. This is a major problem, but the City doesn't care. • stop regulating what sorts of energy people use in their homes • Stop spending so much time and money and thinking about DOGS and DOG PARKS!!!!! • Stop the uneconomic, quixotic effort to promote electrification at any cost. CO2 emission can be offset at $30/tonne, but City mandates mean spending ten times that per tonne -- and in all likelihood INCREASING CO2 emissions because of the capital cost (in CO2) of the equipment and its installation, given the extremely mild climate here. My heating and hot water emissions run around 1.5 tonnes/year which can be offset for $50. Electrification (for me, anyway) is worse than crazy given the CO2 involved in new equipment and its installation. • Streamline Middle School athletics policies
• The City should allow new housing only for households earning under $80,000 a year. Sadly, the city is actually eliminating such housing and replacing it with high-end condos or hotels.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
144
Packet Pg. 149 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• The public schools are in freefall and that is what attracts most people to this community. We need a way that parents and students can be heard because elections that control selection for school board are driven mainly but people who know little about what is happening NOW in the schools. The result is that the school board focuses on good politics rather than student best interest. If we enabled nonresident parents and students a voice we would have better schools and a new school board and a new superintendent that cares more about students than their own political careers. The Palo Alto Unified School system has been hijacked by people who talk about equity and devalue all of our children's education. Rather than taking action they delay until it is too late for students (e.g. they talk about changes and wait until the school year is almost over or well underway so the student's needs are not addressed)> They don't take action to do what is right for each student. The schools are why we spent a crazy amount of money to buy a house here and now that our kid is connected to their friends we can't leave.
We tell everyone to save their money on housing and to move to surrounding communities and pay for private schools or to go to schools that value ALL students, that use evidence based practices rather than political dog whistles. And we hear about naked aggression and bullying by this superintendent painted as "mental health" issues. NO. Bullying staff is unacceptable.
Meanwhile school board members advise us to go to private schools if we don't like their focus on the incredibly tiny minority of students from disadvantaged backgrounds bussed into our community. They use our tax dollars on PR and ignore or comments at school board meetings!!! And it's policy not to respond rather than organizing task forces that actually listen to parents. This community is also unaffordable for when we retire. I suspect that when our students graduate from the school system most families will leave to go to communities where they can truly afford to retire. Sad because I like the parents I met over the 13 years in PAUSD.
We've been united around frustration with the schools. The brilliant STEM minds could have instead been engaged in enhancing our educational community and facilitating a network to promote our children's future work in the area. But our children won't be able to afford to live here so we'll likely move when our kids have children. That's what I see. Older adults move to be near grandchildren.
• Too much traffic. Takes forever to get anywhere. And fix the potholes. Also help small businesses instead of driving them away (for example now charging for parklets, helping businesses stay instead of being priced out)
• Trim the city trees to a size that if they fall, they won't damage house.....a few green leaves don't help
• Zoning to allow residents of 5 years or longer to build second story on half-size lots so families could set deep roots in Palo Alto and not have to leave as families grow, causing turn over, inflation, and in the end more aggressive construction by developers who flip the property than the family who wanted to live their entire lives there contributing to the richness of the old- growth social ecosystem of Palo Alto. Current zoning restrictions hurt growing families, favor developer profits, and destroy Palo Alto's family friendly ecosystem. You need to differentiate between long-time resident additions and house flipping development creatively.
Question 19: As a resident of Palo Alto, what one thing do you believe the City does well and would want to maintain?
• Emergency Services, Parks, Utilities, Police, Engaging and supporting communities, • city council in general seems respectful and responsive. • City owned utility
• Cleaning residential streets.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
145
Packet Pg. 150 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• commitment to biking infrastructure
• Communication
• Continue to value green spaces, open spaces, trees, etc. • CPAU has excellent people in the field.
• Educated jobs community/city
• encouraging sports and exercise
• Excellent Fire/EMT ambulance j
• Excellent police service
• Fire department is outstanding.
• Foothills Park
• Good communications
• High level of engagement with the community
• I like the new road on Charleston Street. We have a problem with the quality of El Camino Road and the speed of repair of this road.
• I really enjoy participating in the ESV program. I like everything about it. I also like using Cubberley for rehearsing with my chorus. So much more could be done to improve this facility.
It is disappointing to see this facility crumble. It is a resource for so many in the Community. • I'm not sure I have s good answer you that. Until they can get their act together and get more housing and more affordable housing built, I can't taste anything highly. • It's NO Big Box Store Policy is the key to our University and California Ave downtown vibrancy.
Don't screw that up !!!!
• Keeping the parks clean
• Keeping us on the path of lowering GHG emissions.
• Libraries
• Libraries
• Libraries and dog parks
• Libraries and parks
• Libraries and streets.
• Local parks and open spaces are great. There's enough variation and they are well maintained. • Maintains parks
• Maintenance of parks
• Nice parks
• Open space. Baylands is a gem.
• Park & library services
• Park maintenance.
• Parks
• Parks
• Parks and libraries
• Parks and libraries
• parks and libraries, police services
• Parks and open space
• parks and recreation
• Parks are amazing and the cleanliness is also
• Parks are well maintained and this is a wonderful place to raise children. • Peaceful, clean, respectful environment
• Police and Firemen do ther job correctly.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
146
Packet Pg. 151 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
• Police safety.
• Prioritizing urban forestry, parks and open spaces.
• Protect the livability of the neighborhoods
• Proximity to Stanford. The city flourishes in spite of its government. • Public parks and library
• Public schools
• Recreation services
• Reduce expenses, lower taxes, use taxes for quality of life improvements for residents, focus on well being of residents, make more money go to better educational opportunities for kids, increase challenge level of education in schools or provide opportunities for kids to push farther.
• Safety
• Services to the elderly or homeowners is excellent, as long as you are in those groups. • street maintenance
• Subdued affluence.
• The art center, children's library and children's theater • The city-owned utilities.
• The effort of some City Councilmembers to control Staff to actually work toward improving City. • The libraries are important to our democracy.
• The parks, especially Foothills and Bay Shore.
• Traffic management
• transparent communication, like open zoom meetings, recordings • Trash pick-up
• Trees
• Trying to inform and engage the residents
• Utilities
• Utilities
• utilities, city council meetings televised
• Water quality.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
147
Packet Pg. 152 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Question 16: If you plan to purchase a car within the next two years, what is the likelihood of it being one of the following: (Other) • ?
• Gas
• Gas car
• gas only or regular hybrid- updating our electricity for our old house is too expensive so we can't get electric. also electricity seems not very reliable with blackouts a few times a year • Gas or hybrid
• Gasoline
• Gasoline car
• Gasoline powered
• hybrid
• Internal combustion car
• May get another ICE car
• not likely to changecars
• TBD I don't really plan on buying a car for at least 5-10 years so it would depend on my needs at that time and what's available in the market.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
148
Packet Pg. 153 of 371
City of Palo Alto Community Survey
October 2023
Report of Results
Appendix E: Survey Materials
The following pages contain copies of the survey materials sent to randomly selected households within the City of Palo Alto.
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
149
Packet Pg. 154 of 371
Dear Palo Alto Resident,
Our annual Community Survey is a critical feedback tool that helps the City Council and City staff understand resident perspectives on current services and programs, as well as unmet needs and priorities. You can wait for a paper survey in the mail, or you can go online and complete the survey at:
www.cityofpaloalto.org/communitysurvey2023A
Please do not share your survey link. This survey is for randomly selected households only.
The City will conduct a separate survey that is open to all residents just a few weeks from now.
If you have any questions about the survey, please call (650) 329-2392.
For additional ways to join the conversation and provide input, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/engage Thank you for your time and participation!
Sincerely,
Ed Shikada
City Manager
Para contestar la encuesta en línea en su
idioma, seleccione su idioma en el menú
desplegable que aparece en la parte
superior de la página de encuesta.
想要使用您的语言回答在线调查，请在调查
页面顶部的下拉菜单中选择您的语言。 Scan the QR code to take the
survey on a mobile device!
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
150
Packet Pg. 155 of 371
250 Hamilton Avenue, 7th Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Presorted
First Class Mail
US Postage
PAID
Boulder, CO
Permit NO. 94
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
151
Packet Pg. 156 of 371
August 2023
Dear City of Palo Alto Resident:
Please help us shape the future of Palo Alto. Your household has been selected at random to participate in the 2023 Palo Alto Community Survey. Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback.
The annual Community Survey is a critical feedback effort that helps the City Council and City staff understand resident perspectives on current services and programs, as well as unmet needs and priorities. The survey is one way among many through which we gain insights from residents throughout our community.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed survey. Your participation is very important – especially since your household is one of only a small number of households being surveyed. The survey results are reviewed by the City Council and City staff and community input helps inform the City’s decision-making and potential changes to City services.
A few things to remember:
• Your responses are completely confidential.
• You may return the survey by mail in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or you can complete the survey online at:
www.cityofpaloalto.org/communitysurvey2023A
If you have any questions about the survey, please call (650) 329-2392.
For additional ways to engage with the City, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/engage.
Thank you for your time and participation!
Sincerely,
Ed Shikada
City Manager
Para contestar la encuesta en línea en su
idioma, seleccione su idioma en el menú
desplegable que aparece en la parte
superior de la página de encuesta.
想要使用您的语言回答在线调查，请在调查
页面顶部的下拉菜单中选择您的语言。
Scan the QR code to take
the survey on a mobile
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
152
Packet Pg. 157 of 371
Dear Palo Alto Resident,
Just a reminder—if you have not yet completed Palo Alto’s 2023 Community Survey, please do so.
If you have completed it, thank you! Please do not respond twice.
Your participation in this survey is very important—your answers will help the City of Palo Alto make decisions that affect our community. Please complete the confidential survey online at:
www.cityofpaloalto.org/communitysurvey2023A
Please do not share your survey link. This survey is for randomly selected households only.
If you have any questions about the survey, please call (650) 329-2392.
For additional ways to join the conversation and provide input, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/engage Sincerely,
Ed Shikada
City Manager
Para contestar la encuesta en línea en su
idioma, seleccione su idioma en el menú
desplegable que aparece en la parte
superior de la página de encuesta.
想要使用您的语言回答在线调查，请在调查
页面顶部的下拉菜单中选择您的语言。
Scan the QR code to take the
survey on a mobile device!
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
153
Packet Pg. 158 of 371
250 Hamilton Avenue, 7th Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Presorted
First Class Mail
US Postage
PAID
Boulder, CO
Permit NO. 94
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto Community
Survey 2023 Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
154
Packet Pg. 159 of 371
2023 Community Survey
Please complete this survey if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday (the year of birth does not matter). Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only.
1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Palo Alto.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Palo Alto as a place to live.............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................1 2 3 4 5 Palo Alto as a place to raise children..............................................................1 2 3 4 5 Palo Alto as a place to work ..........................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Palo Alto as a place to visit ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Palo Alto as a place to retire ..........................................................................1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Palo Alto .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall “built environment” of Palo Alto (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) ..............................................1 2 3 4 5 Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto ..............................................................1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of natural environment in Palo Alto .........................................1 2 3 4 5 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Palo Alto ....................................1 2 3 4 5 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .......................1 2 3 4 5
3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following.
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Recommend living in Palo Alto to someone who asks .................... 1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Palo Alto for the next five years .................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recommend Palo Alto’s libraries to friends .................................... 1 2 3 4 5
4. Please rate the job you feel the Palo Alto community does at each of the following.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Making all residents feel welcome .................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Attracting people from diverse backgrounds ..................................................1 2 3 4 5 Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds .................................1 2 3 4 5 Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) ...........1 2 3 4 5
5. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Palo Alto .................1 2 3 4 5 Variety of business and service establishments in Palo Alto ............................1 2 3 4 5 Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area ........................................................1 2 3 4 5 Employment opportunities ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Shopping opportunities .................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Cost of living in Palo Alto...............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Palo Alto ........................................................1 2 3 4 5 Traffic flow on major streets .........................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Ease of public parking ...................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by car in Palo Alto ...................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Palo Alto .........................................1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Palo Alto ..............................................................1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Palo Alto ..........................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Variety of housing options.............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality housing ........................................................1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of new development in Palo Alto.............................................1 2 3 4 5 Availability of paths and walking trails ...........................................................1 2 3 4 5 Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.) .......1 2 3 4 5 Recreational opportunities.............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality mental health care ........................................1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities ......................................1 2 3 4 5 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
155
Packet Pg. 160 of 371
6. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Palo Alto as a whole.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool .......................................1 2 3 4 5 K-12 education .............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Adult educational opportunities .....................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities ..............................1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in community matters .........................................1 2 3 4 5 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds..............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to learn about City services through social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor ...................................................1 2 3 4 5
7. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.
No Yes
Used Palo Alto recreation centers or their services ................................................................................... 1 2 Visited a neighborhood park or City park ................................................................................................. 1 2 Used Palo Alto public libraries or their services ......................................................................................... 1 2 Participated in religious or spiritual activities in Palo Alto .......................................................................... 1 2 Attended a City-sponsored event ............................................................................................................ 1 2 Participated in a club .............................................................................................................................. 1 2 Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors ................................................................................. 1 2 Done a favor for a neighbor .................................................................................................................... 1 2 Used the City’s website to conduct business or pay bills ........................................................................... 1 2 Used the Utilities webpage to conduct business or pay bills ...................................................................... 1 2 Contacted the City of Palo Alto (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information .......................... 1 2 Contacted Palo Alto elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion ................. 1 2 Attended a local public meeting (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.) .................................... 1 2 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting .......................................................................... 1 2 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Palo Alto ....................................................................... 1 2 Voted in your most recent local election .................................................................................................. 1 2 Used bus, rail, or other public transportation instead of driving ................................................................ 1 2 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone ............................................................... 1 2 Walked or biked instead of driving .......................................................................................................... 1 2 Observed a code violation or other hazard in Palo Alto (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)....................... 1 2 Household member was a victim of a crime in Palo Alto .......................................................................... 1 2 Reported a crime to the police in Palo Alto .............................................................................................. 1 2 Stocked 14 days’ worth of supplies in case of a major disaster where you have no electricity, water, internet, or telephone service .................................................................................. 1 2
8. Please rate the following categories of Palo Alto government performance.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The value of services for the taxes paid to Palo Alto ......................................1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Palo Alto is taking ..................................................1 2 3 4 5 The job Palo Alto government does at welcoming resident involvement .........1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Palo Alto government ...................................................1 2 3 4 5 Generally acting in the best interest of the community ...................................1 2 3 4 5 Being honest ................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Being open and transparent to the public ......................................................1 2 3 4 5 Informing residents about issues facing the community .................................1 2 3 4 5 Treating all residents fairly ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5 Treating residents with respect .....................................................................1 2 3 4 5
9. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The City of Palo Alto .....................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 The State Government .................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government ..............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
156
Packet Pg. 161 of 371
2023 Community Survey
10. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Palo Alto.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Traffic enforcement ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic signal timing ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Street repair ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street cleaning ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street tree maintenance ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sidewalk maintenance ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Land use, planning, and zoning ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of natural areas (open space, farmlands and greenbelts) ................. 1 2 3 4 5 Building and planning application processing services .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Affordable high-speed internet access ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Electric utility ...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Gas utility ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Utility payment options ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Drinking water .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sewer services ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees, etc.) ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 Refuse collection (garbage, recycling, yard waste, and e-waste) .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 Police emergency services .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Animal control .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ambulance or emergency medical services .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fire emergency services...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fire prevention and education ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Palo Alto open space (e.g Foothills, Baylands) ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 City parks ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs or classes ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation centers or facilities ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Public library services (e.g., hold requests, storytimes, teen events, bookclubs) .... 1 2 3 4 5 Library facilities (buildings, computer equipment, accessibility) ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of library materials (books, e-books, streaming, databases, audiobooks) ... 1 2 3 4 5 Art programs and theater ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 City-sponsored special events ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 City website (cityofpaloalto.org) .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Public information (Police/public safety) .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Public information (non-Police/public safety) ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall customer service by Palo Alto employees
(police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
11. Please rate the following as they relate to Palo Alto Utilities’ services:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Reliability of utility services ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Affordability of utility services ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Community value received from the City owning and operating its own municipal utility services ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Utilities online customer self-service features ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Providing opportunities for energy and water efficiency at home or business ...... 1 2 3 4 5 Working hard to keep utilities prices competitive ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Value of all the services Palo Alto Utilities provides for the price you pay ............ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of obtaining information or performing a transaction through the City’s website ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Value of Palo Alto Utilities’ customer communications ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of contacting Utilities department staff ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Speed of response after contacting Utilities department staff ............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
157
Packet Pg. 162 of 371
12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Palo Alto community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Very Somewhat Not at all Essential important important important
Overall “built environment” of Palo Alto (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems) .................................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall economic health of Palo Alto ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto .................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of natural environment in Palo Alto ............................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Palo Alto ........................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall opportunities for education, culture and the arts .................................... 1 2 3 4 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community ........................... 1 2 3 4 Reducing community greenhouse gas emissions ............................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing local solar generation capacity within city boundaries ........................ 1 2 3 4 Increasing electric storage capacity within city boundaries ................................. 1 2 3 4 Faster notification systems (online, mobile or email) for Utilities billing issues, efficiency tips, outage information ............................................. 1 2 3 4 Faster notification systems (online, mobile or email) for public safety issues ....... 1 2 3 4
13. In a typical week, how likely are you to: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Participate in organized group activities (such as clubs, sports teams, volunteer your time, attend church/temple) ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 Spend quality time with local friends, family, and/or neighbors ........... 1 2 3 4 5
14. What mode of transportation do you use most for your typical daily needs for getting around town? Driving Biking Train Taxi Carpooling
Walking Bus Free shuttle Uber/Lyft or similar rideshare service
15. If you did not have access to a car for your usual daily transportation around town, how convenient (based on time and proximity) would you consider each of the following methods of getting around? Very Somewhat Somewhat Very
convenient convenient inconvenient inconvenient
Walking ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Biking ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Bus ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Train ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Free shuttle ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Taxi................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Uber/Lyft or similar rideshare service ................................................. 1 2 3 4 Carpooling ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
16. If you plan to purchase a car within the next two years, what is the likelihood of it being one of the following: Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
All-electric ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Plug-in hybrid .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Hydrogen fuel cell .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Other:_____________________________________________ .......... 1 2 3 4 5
17. Palo Alto is committed to addressing climate change by engaging in strategies that reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs). Space heating is the largest source of GHG in most Palo Alto homes, followed by water heating. What is the likelihood of you…
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Replacing your gas water heater with a heat pump water heater when you are ready to replace the water heater? ............................ 1 2 3 4 5 Replacing your gas furnace with a heat pump HVAC system (that provides heating and cooling) when you are ready to replace the furnace? ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
18. As a resident of Palo Alto, what one change could the City make that would make you happier?
Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
158
Packet Pg. 163 of 371
2023 Community Survey
19. As a resident of Palo Alto, what one thing do you believe the City does well and would want to maintain?
Our last questions are about you and your household.
Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.
D1. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:
Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Somewhat negative Very negative D2. What is your employment status?
Working full time for pay
Working part time for pay
Unemployed, looking for paid work
Unemployed, not looking for paid work
Fully retired
College student, unemployed
D3. Do you work inside the boundaries of Palo Alto?
Yes, outside the home No
Yes, from home
D4. How many years have you lived in Palo Alto?
Less than 2 years 11-20 years
2-5 years More than 20 years
6-10 years
D5. Which best describes the building you live in?
One family house detached from any other houses
Building with two or more homes (duplex,
townhome, apartment or condominium)
Mobile home
Other
D6. Do you rent or own your home?
Rent Own
D7. About how much is your monthly housing cost
for the place you live (including rent, mortgage
payment, property tax, property insurance and
homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?
Less than $500 $5,500 to $5,999
$500 to $999 $6,000 to $6,499
$1,000 to $1,499 $6,500 to $6,999
$1,500 to $1,999 $7,000 to $7,499
$2,000 to $2,499 $7,500 to $7,999
$2,499 to $2,999 $8,000 to $8,499
$3,000 to $3,499 $8,500 to $8,999
$3,500 to $3,999 $9,000 to $9,499
$4,000 to $4,499 $9,500 to $9,999
$4,500 to $4,999 $10,000 or more
$5,000 to $5,499
D8. Do any children 17 or under live in your
household?
No Yes
D9. Are you or any other members of your
household aged 65 or older?
No Yes
D10. How much do you anticipate your household’s
total income before taxes will be for the
current year? (Total income from all sources
for all persons living in your household.)
Less than $25,000 $250,000 to $299,999
$25,000 to $49,999 $300,000 to $349,999
$50,000 to $99,999 $350,000 to $399,999
$100,000 to $149,000 $400,000 to $449,999
$150,
000 to $199,999 $450,000 to $499,999
$200,000 to $249,999 $500,000 or more
D11. Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?
No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino
Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or
Latino
D12. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to
indicate what you consider yourself to be.)
American Indian or Alaskan Native White
Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander Other
Black or African American
D13. In which category is your age?
18-24 years 45-54 years 65-74 years
25-34 years 55-64 years 75 years or older
35-44 years
D14. What is your gender?
Woman
Man
Identify in another way go to D14a
D14a. If you identify in another way, how would you
describe your gender?
Agender/ I don’t identify Transgender man
with any gender Transgender woman
Genderqueer/gender fluid Two-spirit
Non-binary Not listed, I identify
as:_________________
D15. What is your sexual orientation?
Heterosexual Bisexual
Lesbian Identify in another way
Gay go to D15a
D15a. If you identify in another way, how would you
describe your sexual orientation?
Asexual Questioning
Pansexual Not listed, I identify as:
Queer ____________________________
Thank you! Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to:
National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 Item 1
Attachment A - Palo Alto
Community Survey 2023
Report of Results
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
159
Packet Pg. 164 of 371
Bay Area Benchmark Comparisons
Table 1: Quality of Life
Quality of Life Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall image or reputation of
Palo Alto 76% 5 10 Similar
The overall quality of life in
Palo Alto 86% 5 12 Similar
Palo Alto as a place to live 90% 5 12 Similar
Recommend living in Palo Alto
to someone who asks 77% 8 10 Similar
Remain in Palo Alto for the
next five years 77% 8 10 Similar
Table 2: Governance
Governance Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall confidence in Palo Alto
government 52% 7 11 Similar
The overall direction that Palo Alto is
taking 54% 8 13 Similar
The value of services for the taxes
paid to Palo Alto 57% 3 10 Similar
Generally acting in the best interest
of the community 55% 6 10 Similar
Being honest 62% 4 10 Similar
Being open and transparent to the
public 57% 3 9 Similar
Informing residents about issues
facing the community 61% 2 9 Similar
The job Palo Alto government does
at welcoming citizen involvement 55% 6 10 Similar
Treating all residents fairly 62% 8 10 Similar
Treating residents with respect 71% 3 9 Similar
Overall customer service by Palo Alto
employees (police, receptionists,
planners, etc.) 78% 6 10 Similar
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
160
Packet Pg. 165 of 371
Governance Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
The City of Palo Alto 74% 5 10 Similar
The Federal Government 45% 2 10 Similar
Table 3: Economy
Economy Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall quality of business and
service establishments in Palo Alto 74% 6 10 Similar
Variety of business and service
establishments in Palo Alto 58% 5 9 Similar
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial
area 65% 5 10 Similar
Shopping opportunities 69% 2 10 Higher
Palo Alto as a place to visit 73% 6 11 Similar
Palo Alto as a place to work 85% 2 10 Higher
Employment opportunities 62% 2 10 Higher
Cost of living in Palo Alto 8% 9 10 Lower
Table 4: Mobility
Mobility Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Traffic flow on major streets 51% 5 11 Similar
Ease of travel by car in Palo Alto 73% 5 10 Similar
Ease of travel by public
transportation in Palo Alto 32% 8 10 Similar
Ease of travel by bicycle in Palo
Alto 77% 2 10 Higher
Ease of walking in Palo Alto 80% 4 10 Higher
Ease of public parking 68% 3 10 Similar
Traffic enforcement 65% 2 11 Similar
Traffic signal timing 63% 1 10 Similar
Street repair 42% 7 11 Similar
Street cleaning 79% 3 11 Higher
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
161
Packet Pg. 166 of 371
Mobility Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Sidewalk maintenance 63% 2 10 Similar
Used bus, rail or other public
transportation instead of driving 44% 3 10 Similar
Carpooled with other adults or
children instead of driving alone 59% 3 10 Similar
Walked or biked instead of
driving 84% 1 10 Higher
Table 5: Community Design
Community Design Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall “built environment” of Palo Alto
(including overall design, buildings,
parks and transportation systems) 72% 3 10 Similar
Your neighborhood as a place to live 92% 4 10 Similar
Overall quality of new development in
Palo Alto 40% 7 10 Similar
Variety of housing options 26% 9 10 Similar
Availability of affordable quality housing 11% 10 10 Similar Land use, planning and zoning 40% 6 11 Similar
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned
buildings, etc) 53% 3 10 Similar
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
162
Packet Pg. 167 of 371
Table 6: Utilities
Utilities Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Affordable high-speed internet
access 45% 7 9 Similar
Drinking water 86% 2 9 Higher
Sewer services 87% 3 9 Similar
Storm water management (storm
drainage, dams, levees, etc.) 73% 5 10 Similar
Utility payment options 85% 1 9 Much higher
Table 7: Safety
Safety Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall feeling of safety in
Palo Alto 84% 5 12 Higher
Police emergency services 84% 3 13 Similar
Crime prevention 68% 5 10 Similar
Animal control 78% 1 9 Higher
Ambulance or emergency
medical services 90% 2 9 Similar
Fire emergency services 93% 3 10 Similar
Fire prevention and
education 77% 4 9 Similar
Table 8: Natural Environment
Natural Environment Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall quality of natural
environment in Palo Alto 90% 3 10 Higher
Preservation of natural areas
(open space, farmlands and
greenbelts) 83% 4 10 Similar
Palo Alto open space (e.g.
Foothills, Baylands) 93% 1 10 Much higher
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
163
Packet Pg. 168 of 371
Table 9: Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Availability of paths and walking
trails 73% 5 10 Similar
City parks 93% 1 11 Higher
Recreational opportunities 77% 3 11 Similar
Recreation programs or classes 83% 2 10 Higher
Recreation centers or facilities 85% 2 10 Higher
Fitness opportunities (including
exercise classes and paths or trails,
etc.) 76% 4 10 Similar
Table 10: Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of communities
in comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall health and wellness
opportunities in Palo Alto 84% 3 10 Higher
Availability of affordable
quality mental health care 38% 5 10 Similar
Table 11: Education, Arts, and Culture
Education, Arts, and Culture
Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Opportunities to attend
cultural/arts/music activities 72% 3 11 Higher
Availability of affordable quality
child care/preschool 43% 4 10 Similar
K-12 education 87% 2 10 Much higher
Adult educational opportunities 78% 2 10 Higher
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
164
Packet Pg. 169 of 371
Table 12: Inclusivity and Engagement
Inclusivity and Engagement Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Residents’ connection and
engagement with their community 61% 3 9 Similar
Palo Alto as a place to raise children 83% 5 12 Similar Palo Alto as a place to retire 53% 7 11 Similar
Openness and acceptance of the
community towards people of diverse
backgrounds 64% 3 10 Similar
Making all residents feel welcome 66% 6 9 Similar
Attracting people from diverse
backgrounds 57% 7 9 Similar
Valuing/respecting residents from
diverse backgrounds 68% 5 9 Similar
Taking care of vulnerable residents
(elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) 50% 5 9 Similar
Opportunities to participate in social
events and activities 65% 5 11 Similar
Opportunities to participate in
community matters 68% 4 10 Similar
Table 13: Participation
Participation Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Contacted the City of Palo Alto (in-
person, phone, email or web) for help or
information 54% 1 11 Higher
Contacted Palo Alto elected officials (in-
person, phone, email or web) to express
your opinion 17% 5 10 Similar
Attended a local public meeting (of local
elected officials like City Council or
County Commissioners, advisory boards, 20% 5 10 Similar Watched (online or on television) a local
public meeting 18% 8 10 Similar
Volunteered your time to some
group/activity in Palo Alto 39% 1 10 Higher
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
165
Packet Pg. 170 of 371
Participation Items
Percent
positive Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Voted in your most recent local election 70% 8 9 Similar
Table 14: Focus Areas
Importance Items
Percent
essential or
very important Rank
Number of
communities in
comparison
Comparison to
benchmark
Overall economic health of Palo
Alto. 87% 8 10 Similar
Overall “built environment” of Palo
Alto (including overall design,
buildings, parks and transportation
systems) 81% 2 10 Higher
Overall feeling of safety in Palo Alto 87% 8 10 Similar Overall quality of natural
environment in Palo Alto 84% 4 10 Similar
Overall health and wellness
opportunities in Palo Alto 71% 6 10 Similar
Overall opportunities for education,
culture and the arts 72% 5 10 Similar
Residents’ connection and
engagement with their community 61% 7 10 Similar
Item 1
Attachment B - 2023 Palo
Alto Bay Area Benchmark
Comparisons
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
166
Packet Pg. 171 of 371
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: December 4, 2023
Report #:2311-2246
TITLE
Approval of Minutes from November 13, 2023 Meeting
RECOMMENDATION
That the minutes be reviewed and approved.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: November 13, 2023 Draft Action Minutes
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
1 Packet Pg. 172 of 371
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
November 13, 2023
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka, Veenker Present Remotely:
Absent:
Special Orders of the Day
1. Proclamation Honoring Police Records and Support Personnel Day
Closed Session
2. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY -E XISTING LITIGATION Subject: Hamilton and High, LLC, The Keenan Family Trust, et al. v. City of Palo Alto, et al. Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 20CV366967 Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) M
OTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Stone to go into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 5:39 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 6:43 P.M.
Mayor Kou announced no reportable action.
Consent Calendar
Council Member Tanaka registered a no vote on Agenda Item Numbers 5-7.
Mayor Kou registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 8.
Item 2
Attachment A -
November 13, 2023 Draft
Action Minutes
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
2 Packet Pg. 173 of 371
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/13/2023
MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to approve Agenda Item Numbers 3-8.
MOTION SPLIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF VITING
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 3-4: 7-0
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 5-7: 6-1, Tanaka no
MOTION PASSED ITEM 8: 6-1, Kou no
3. Approval of Minutes from October 23, 2023 Meeting
4. Adoption of an Ordinance Renewing the Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy Under AB 481; CEQA status – not a project.
5. Finance Committee Recommendation to Maintain Current Service Delivery Model for Print and Mail Services; CEQA Status – Not a Project
6. Ad
option of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Purchase Orders with a To -B
e Determined Vendor(s) to Procure Thirteen (13) New Fully Electric Sedans And Five (5) New Fully Electric Vans for a One Time Purchase for a Total Not
-To
-E
xceed Amount of $985,000. CEQA Status
- e
xempt under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15061.
7. A
pproval of Second Amendment to Tenant Work Letter for the Roth Building at 300 Homer Avenue between the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto History Museum; CEQA Status
-
-N
ot a Project.
8. A
pproval of proposed changes to the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline Administration Policy
Action Items
9. Public Hearing: Adoption of Resolution Amending the Land Use Element of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and an Ordinance Implementing Program 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element, Including: 1) New Chapter 18.14: Housing Incentives, and 2) Modifications to Base Zoning Districts Throughout Title 18. CEQA Status: An Addendum to the City’s Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report was Prepared for the Subject Comp Plan and Municipal Code Amendments.
Council Member Veenker Recusal on Stanford-owned properties & Housing Focus Area Item 2
Attachment A -
November 13, 2023 Draft
Action Minutes
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
3 Packet Pg. 174 of 371
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/13/2023
MOTION: Vice Mayor Stone moved, seconded by Council Member Lauing to approve the staff recommendation as it pertains to the Housing Focus Area and Pasteur Drive with the following additions:
1. Refer expansion of the El Camino Real Housing focus area to staff for further analysis and return to Council with a recommendation.
2. Exempt parapets and guardrails from height limits in the El Camino Real Housing Focus Area and Pasteur Drive.
3. Remove the 18. 14.020(c)(5)(C) regarding Stanford affiliation, and refer to staff and the Stanford Ad Hoc for further dialogue.
4. Amend 18.14.020 Table 3, upper story stepback to state a 20-foot average stepback from the property line, with a minimum stepback of 15-feet, and any additional requirements identified by staff to meet this intent contingent on meeting fire safety standards and as an alternative to the 15-foot stepback direct staff evaluate for inclusion of a standard that would require an appropriate stepback from the front façade.
MOTION PASSED: 5-1-1, Kou no, Veenker recuse
MOTION: Council Member Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to:
1. Adopt a resolution amending the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element (Attachment A); and,
2. Adopt an ordinance amending Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) (Attachment B) to implement Program 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element regarding the Adequate Sites Inventory.
MOTION SPLIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING
MOTION PASSED 1 & 2: 6-1, Kou no
MOTION: Council Member Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to:
3. Direct staff to review proposed amendments to PAMC 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 regarding Redwood residences
as described in the November 7, 2023 from Kristi Bascom.
MOTION PASSED 3: 7-0
Item 2
Attachment A -
November 13, 2023 Draft
Action Minutes
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
4 Packet Pg. 175 of 371
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/13/2023
10. PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI -J UDICIAL. 575 Los Trancos Road [21PLN -00 196] Request for Major Site and Design Review to Allow the Construction of a new 7,110 sf single -f amily
residence with a new 895 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit and Associated Site Improvements, Including a Swimming Pool, on a 5.38 -ac
re Site. Environmental Assessment: A Mitigated
Negative Declaration has been prepared for the proposed project. Zoning District: OS (Open Space).
M
OTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Mayor Kou to:
1. Approve the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan.
2. Approve the proposed project based on findings and subject to conditions of approval.
3. Applicant shall add fencing to surround the pool. Fencing shall be designed to prevent wildlife from entering the pool and shall comply with Building Code requirements.
4. Pool location be adjusted to approximately 50-foot setback from top bank subject to staff review by the Director of Planning and Development Services.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 P.M.
Item 2
Attachment A -
November 13, 2023 Draft
Action Minutes
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
5 Packet Pg. 176 of 371
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/13/2023
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the City’s website.
Item 2
Attachment A -
November 13, 2023 Draft
Action Minutes
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
6 Packet Pg. 177 of 371
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: December 4, 2023
Staff Report:2307-1750
TITLE
Finance Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Recommend the City Council Adopt a Resolution Approving the 2023 Electric Integrated Resource Plan
RECOMMENDATION
The Finance Committee, Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), and staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A):
1. Approving the 2023 Electric Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 1, which includes the four standardized tables required under the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) IRP Guidelines; and
2. Approving the IRP Objective and Strategies to guide future analysis and decisions (Attachment C).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2018, the City approved its first IRP—a comprehensive long-term electric supply planning document that the City is required to complete every five years under state law2. With this report, the Finance Committee, UAC, and staff recommend approval of the City’s second IRP.
The current IRP, which must be approved by Council by January 1, 2024 in order to satisfy the City’s regulatory requirements, has a planning period of 2023 through 2045. The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) currently has sufficient carbon-neutral supply resources to meet projected loads through 2028, with approximately 40% of its resources projected to come from hydroelectric supplies and the remaining 60% from renewable energy contracts. The City’s projected load is expected to increase significantly over the next several years, largely due to new data center projects being implemented by multiple large commercial customers, along with the effects of the City’s building and transportation electrification efforts. A primary focus of this IRP, therefore, 1 Electric IRP https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city- manager-reports-cmrs/attachments/2023-irp-report.pdf
2 CA Public Utilities Code Sec. 9621(b).
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
1 Packet Pg. 178 of 371
is determining the optimal mix of resources to use to satisfy this growing load. Additionally, the City’s 20-year contract with the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) for hydroelectric resources, which supplies over 30% of the City’s energy needs in a normal hydro year, expires at the end of calendar year 2024. As with the 2018 IRP, another focus of the current IRP is determining whether to renew the contract with WAPA for an additional 30-year term (and if so, at what participation level) and/or seek other renewable supplies to meet City loads.
The IRP includes a set of four standardized tables, which detail the City’s energy, renewable energy, capacity, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions projections through 2045, as well as the latest versions of the City’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Procurement Plan.
In addition to the City’s 2023 IRP and its associated documents, this report includes proposed IRP Objective and Strategies to guide future analysis and decisions as staff works to prepare the City’s electric supply portfolio for the upcoming shifts in the electric utility industry.
BACKGROUND
Prior to 2018, the City engaged in integrated resource planning through periodic updates to its Long-term Electric Acquisition Plan (LEAP) 3. But in 2015, SB 350 was signed into law, and it includes a requirement that publicly-owned utilities (POUs) serving loads greater than 700,000 megawatt-hours per year, such as Palo Alto, develop and adopt an IRP and submit it to the California Energy Commission (CEC) by January 2019 and every five years thereafter.4 The current IRP planning period is from 2023 through 2045. As noted in the IRP report, through 2028 the City expects to have sufficient resources to meet its forecasted electric loads, with renewable power contracts supplying about 60% of its needs and the remainder coming from hydroelectric resources. This all assumes that the City renews its contract for the Western hydroelectric resource which expires at the end of calendar year 2024 for an additional 30-year period. The City also has the option to reduce its allocation under this contract (or exit it altogether) until July 1, 2024. And if the City does renew the Western contract, it will also have the option to reduce its allocation or exit the contract once every five years throughout the 30- year contract term. Therefore, a significant consideration for the IRP is the question of whether to renew the contract with Western (and if so, at what participation level) and/or seek other carbon neutral power supplies. Staff presented a preliminary analysis of the City’s long-term electric supply portfolio and a variety of potential new resource options, along with an update to its long-term load forecast, to the UAC for discussion in July 2023. 3 The City’s last LEAP update was approved by Council on April 16, 2012 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports- cmrs/year-archive/2012/04-16-2012-id-2710.pdf
4 The Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 also raised the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by 2030 and required a doubling of energy efficiency savings by 2030. (The RPS requirement was later increased to 60% by 2030 via SB 100.) The primary objective of the IRP requirement in SB 350 is to ensure that the state’s large POUs are on track to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, helping the state meet its overall target of reducing GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
2 Packet Pg. 179 of 371
Beginning in June 2022, staff has presented five different reports to the UAC and Council (including the present one) directly or indirectly related to the development of Palo Alto’s 2023 IRP. These presentations and reports are summarized in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Public Process Summary for Development of the 2023 IRP Forum Date Topic Link
UAC 6/8/2022 Overview of CPAU’s IRP Development Process Report5 UAC 12/7/2022 Discussion of CPAU’s Long-term Electric Load Forecast Report6 UAC 7/5/2023 Presentation of Electric Supply Portfolio Modeling Results Presentation 7 Council 9/18/2023 Annual Carbon Neutral Plan and RPS Supply Update Report8 UAC 10/11/2023 Recommendation to Approve CPAU’s 2023 IRP Report9 Finance 11/7/2023 Recommendation to Approve CPAU’s 2023 IRP Report10 Council 12/4/2023 Recommendation to Approve CPAU’s 2023 IRP TBD Through these presentations and discussions, staff has laid out the motivations and context for the IRP, and described the resources currently in the City’s supply portfolio as well as the upcoming planning decisions and uncertainties facing the City. Staff felt that this level of public discussion was important given that the City must make some important planning decisions in the next several years.
CEC IRP Guidelines & Required Elements
The schedule and structure of the IRP process has been dictated in large part by state law,11 which required Council adoption of Palo Alto’s first IRP by January 1, 201912, submission to the CEC by 5 Staff Report 14279 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas- minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2022/06-08-2022/06- 08-2022-id-14279-item-4-irp.pdf
6 Staff Report 14908 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas- minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2022/12-07-2022/12- 07-2022-agenda-and-packet.pdf
7 Staff Report 2301-0799 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes- 2023/07-jul-2023/packet.pdf
8 Staff Report 2307-1743 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/2023/09-18-2023-id-2307-1743-staff-report.pdf 9 Staff Report 2307-1748 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes- 2023/10-oct-2023/10-11-23-id-2307-1748-staff-report.pdf 10 Staff Report 2307-1749 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/2023/10-11-23-id-2307-1748.pdf 11 See Public Utilities Code sections 9621, 9622; Public Utilities Code section 399.11 also established a new Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to meet 60% of the City’s load from applicable renewable supplies by 2030, which the City has already achieved.
12 Council adopted the first IRP on December 3, 2018 ( Staff Report 9761, Resolution 9802), and staff submitted the IRP and the four standardized tables to the CEC on April 30, 2019. After reviewing the City’s IRP and associated documents, the CEC approved the submission on August 29, 2019.
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
3 Packet Pg. 180 of 371
April 30, 2019, and updates at least every five years thereafter. Specifically, the City’s IRP must demonstrate how the City’s utility will:
•Meet GHG emissions reduction targets set by the State’s Air Resources Board •Ensure procurement of at least 60% renewable resources by 2030; •Minimize impacts to customer bills;
•Ensure system and local reliability, including in the hour of peak net demand, and ensure the procurement of resource adequacy products to meet its peak demand and planning reserve margin;
•Strengthen the diversity, sustainability, and resilience of the bulk transmission, distribution systems and local communities;
•Enhance distribution systems and demand-side energy management; •Minimize localized air pollutants and other greenhouse gas emissions with early priority to disadvantaged communities; and
•Address the following procurement topics:
oEnergy efficiency and demand resources that are cost effective, reliable and feasible;
oEnergy storage;
oTransportation electrification;
oA diversified procurement portfolio of short-term electricity, long-term electricity, and demand response products; and
oResource adequacy capacity.
The IRP report presented herein satisfies all of these requirements. It is worthy to note, Palo Alto has already exceeded the state’s 2030 goals under SB 100 of sourcing 60% of electricity supplies from renewable resource and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40%—which were the primary drivers of the IRP requirement in the first place. It should be noted that the primary purpose of the IRP report is to demonstrate that Palo Alto is on track to meet and exceed the state’s long-term climate objectives, and it does not reflect how far the City actually intends to go in order to meet its more aggressive Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) goals.
In addition to addressing the above topics in its IRP, the City is required to submit the following four Standardized Tables to the CEC along with the IRP:
•Capacity Resource Accounting Table (CRAT): Annual peak capacity demand in each year and the contribution of each energy resource in the portfolio to meet that demand.
•Energy Balance Table (EBT): Annual total energy demand and annual estimates for energy supply from various resources.
•RPS Procurement Table (RPT): A detailed summary of a resource plan to meet the RPS requirements.
•GHG Emissions Accounting Table (GEAT): Annual GHG emissions associated with each resource in the portfolio to demonstrate compliance with the GHG emissions reduction targets established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
4 Packet Pg. 181 of 371
The CEC has yet to release updated versions of these tables. When they become available staff will fill them in with the City’s latest portfolio projections and submit them.
Finally, the City is also required to submit to the CEC additional supplementary information along with the IRP, including the current version of the City’s RPS Procurement Plan. The City last updated this document in 2020 to reflect the changes brought about by SB 100, and it does not require any further updates at this time. The current version of this document is included as an appendix to the IRP13.
ANALYSIS
At the July 2023 UAC meeting, staff presented the Commission with an overview of the IRP, along with a preview of the portfolio modeling results it had completed at the time with help from a consultant (Ascend Analytics). The remainder of this section will cover additional information that this portfolio modeling effort has yielded, included a look at how the portfolio fares under various future hydrological and market price scenarios.
Capacity Expansion Modeling Results
For IRP portfolio development, staff relied on PowerSIMM, an industry-leading market simulation, capacity expansion, and production cost model developed by Ascend Analytics.
PowerSIMM captures and quantifies elements of risk through the simulation of meaningful uncertainty with weather as a fundamental driver. After many modeling iterations were performed to ensure the robustness of the results, staff and Ascend ultimately arrived at a Recommended Portfolio that is summarized in the following figures. Figure 1 displays the volumes of new resources that the model selects (in terms of their nameplate capacity) in each year of the IRP planning period. Although the model selects new solar capacity starting in 2030, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) starting in 2041, the actual resources that the City will contract with to meet its planning objectives will depend heavily on the responses received in future RFPs. Changing market conditions, the specific characteristics and quality of individual offers, and changing regulatory requirements all add uncertainty to the selection of future resources.
13 Electric IRP https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city- manager-reports-cmrs/attachments/2023-irp-report.pdf
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
5 Packet Pg. 182 of 371
Figure 1: Nameplate Capacity of New Resource Additions for the Recommended Portfolio Figure 2 below shows the City’s projected load and energy supplies by year under the Recommended Plan. The small deficit positions depicted in a few years in this figure would be covered using short-term market purchases of energy bundled with PCC 3 RECs 14. Overall, the Recommended Plan results in a portfolio that would be 98% hedged over the IRP planning period. 14 Portfolio Content Category 3 (PCC 3) Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are California RPS-eligible RECs that represent the environmental attributes of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, but which are transferred independently from the underlying physical electricity.
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
6 Packet Pg. 183 of 371
Figure 2: Projected Load and Energy Supply Balance for under the Recommended Plan On an intra-year basis, the Recommended Plan would yield significant energy surpluses in the spring and summer months, followed by significant energy deficits in the fall and winter months as shown in Figure 3 below. This pattern, and the resulting market exposure that it would entail, will be another consideration in the process of selecting new resources to add to the City’s supply portfolio which could lead to a more diverse mix of new resource selections than is shown here in the Recommended Plan.
Figure 3: Monthly Load and Energy Supplies in 2025 & 2035 under the Recommended Plan As Figure 4 below illustrates, the Recommended Plan would ensure that Palo Alto exceeds the state’s annual RPS procurement targets in all but one year (2035) of the IRP planning period.
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
7 Packet Pg. 184 of 371
However, because RPS compliance is evaluated based on aggregate procurement over three-year compliance periods after 2030, the City would still achieve full compliance with its RPS requirements under the Recommended Plan. (Based on historical performance, CPAU intends to meet or exceed its annual RPS procurement target in every year.) Figure 4: SB 100 RPS Requirements and RPS Level under the Recommended Plan As Figure 1 indicated, the capacity expansion model adds a significant amount of battery energy storage systems beginning in the 2040s—25 MW each of 4-hour, 8-hour, and 10-hour BESSs.
According to Ascend, the model selected these resources primarily to ensure the Recommended Plan would satisfy Palo Alto’s system capacity needs during this period (when almost all of the City’s existing renewable energy PPAs have expired). Figure 5 illustrates how these BESS additions—along with a small volume of demand response capacity—ensure that Palo Alto can easily satisfy its system capacity needs throughout the planning period without having to rely on short-term RA purchases.
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
8 Packet Pg. 185 of 371
Figure 5: Projected System Capacity Requirements and Supplies for the Recommended Plan Scenario Analysis
To try to understand the magnitude of the uncertainty around these modeling results, staff and Ascend ran the model under several different future scenarios, and then used its production cost model function to evaluate the overall cost and cost uncertainty of the supply portfolio selected in each case. The four different scenarios that were evaluated can be summarized as follows:
1.Base Case – Expected hydro output and expected market prices
2.Reduced Hydro Output – Hydro energy output is reduced by 30% and capacity is reduced by 60%, while hydro costs increase by 25%
3.Dry Year, High Prices – Simulating an extended drought, hydro energy output is reduced by 25%, while market prices are high
4.Wet Year, Low Prices – Based on historical conditions during wet years, hydro energy output is increased by 50%, while market prices are low Interestingly, for the dry year and wet year scenarios the model selected the same new capacity additions as in the base case (see Figure 1). Despite Palo Alto’s heavy concentration of large hydro resources in its existing portfolio, these long-term changes in hydrological conditions were not enough to cause the model to select a different volume or type of resources in the portfolio.
Instead, the model indicates that the City should simply buy more or sell more energy and capacity in the short-term market to balance its energy and capacity needs in these situations. (While the Recommended Plan portfolio is 98% hedged on average over the IRP planning period, Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
9 Packet Pg. 186 of 371
the Dry Year, High Prices scenario would yield a portfolio that is 87% hedged, and the portfolio would be 121% hedged in the Wet Year, Low Prices scenario.) In the Reduced Hydro Output case, however, the model made significantly different selections for the City’s supply portfolio, as summarized in the figures below.
Figure 6: Nameplate Capacity of New Resource Additions in Reduced Hydro Output Scenario Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
10 Packet Pg. 187 of 371
Figure 7: Projected Load and Energy Supply Balance in the Reduced Hydro Output Scenario Figure 8: System Capacity Requirements and Supplies in Reduced Hydro Output Scenario Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
11 Packet Pg. 188 of 371
Portfolio Cost Analysis
Financial metrics for the four scenarios described above are displayed in Table below, including each scenario’s average supply cost, market price, mark-to-market (MTM)15, and risk premium16.
As expected, this information indicates that the total portfolio in the Reduced Hydro Output scenario is significantly more costly than the Base Case portfolio. But interestingly, the modeling indicates that the portfolio becomes significantly more valuable under both the Dry Year, High Prices scenario, as well as the Wet Year, Low Prices scenario, compared to the Base Case scenario.
Table 2: Financial Performance Summary of the Four Scenarios Modeled Base Case Reduced
Hydro Output
Dry Year,
High Prices
Wet Year,
Low Prices
Average Supply Cost ($/MWh) $63.58 $66.27 $83.05 $40.76 Average Market Price ($/MWh) $64.17 $64.17 $88.05 $45.52 Total MTM ($/MWh) $0.65 ($3.34) $4.09 $4.62
Average Annual MTM ($M) $0.47 ($2.00) $5.31 $4.70
Average Annual Risk Premium ($M) $6.43 $3.27 $19.91 $4.33 The Risk Premium results indicate that the portfolio’s cost uncertainty (or value at risk) related to high market prices/dry hydro conditions is far greater than for low market prices/low hydro conditions. For this reason, CPAU tends to hedge the supply portfolio based on the assumption of slightly drier than average conditions, and maintains significant hydroelectric reserves.
NEXT STEPS
Under state law, final approval of the IRP report is required by January 1, 2024, and the City must submit it to the CEC by April 30, 2024.
As noted in the IRP report, the City faces a number of significant decisions in the coming years, including whether to reduce its share of (or exit) the Western contract and what to do with its share of the California-Oregon Transmission Project when the layoff of that resource ends in early 2024. In addition, the City’s load is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and the 15 Mark-to-market is a risk assessment tool which measures the current estimated value of a portfolio relative to its original contracted price; a positive value indicates an increase in the value of the purchase, which would be realized only if the transaction was liquidated. It also represents the City’s credit exposure with the supplier. Note that the MTM values presented in Table are based on the total cost of each supply resource, but only account for the energy value (as measured by the resource’s Locational Marginal Price). The RA capacity value and REC value associated with each resource’s output are not considered in this calculation, thus it is not an accurate representation of the true value of each portfolio; nonetheless, the MTM differences between the four scenarios are reflective of the differences in their values.
16 The Risk Premium metric represents the magnitude of a given portfolio’s financial exposure to market price volatility, variation in generation and load, and changes in weather conditions. The risk premium, which is calculated in a manner similar to an insurance premium, is the probability-weighted average of costs between the median and 95th percentile of costs in all simulations. A smaller Risk Premium value indicates a greater level of certainty around the cost estimates presented for the given portfolio or scenario.
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
12 Packet Pg. 189 of 371
City will need to contract for new resources to meet this increased demand. As staff implements this IRP, they will provide the UAC, the Finance Committee, and the City Council with updates on the progress, successes, and recommendations for addressing any new challenges they encounter.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Implementation the IRP in the coming years will largely be accomplished with existing staffing resources, along with assistance from the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA). However, the City may also need some external consulting and legal resources to assist with some of these efforts. The cost of such external resources may amount to $100,000 to $200,000 (total) over the next few years.
Though the approval of the IRP by itself does not have direct impact on portfolio-related costs, the different initiatives that will be undertaken in the coming years will greatly influence the electric supply costs in the coming decades. Staff will ensure that resource and funding needs in future years are communicated through the annual budget process with appropriation of funds subject to Council approval.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff presented the 2023 IRP report and associated documents to the UAC at its October 11, 2023 meeting. The UAC questioned the volume of new solar generation that is included in the Recommended Plan, and asked staff about what other resources were evaluated in the portfolio modeling effort. Staff indicated that they included a wide range of resources in the modeling work (e.g., geothermal, out-of-state wind, offshore wind, and small modular nuclear reactors), and that the model is very sensitive to the cost assumptions used, and selected additional solar on that basis. Staff also reiterated that when the City initiates new resource procurement efforts, staff will thoroughly evaluate all types of resources, and that its ultimate recommendation would be based on market conditions and the City’s resource needs at the time of procurement.
The UAC also asked whether adding more solar to the portfolio would exacerbate the City’s hourly and seasonal imbalance between its load and its resources, and expressed interest in staff investigating a portfolio with hourly matching of resources and load. Staff noted that its existing portfolio includes a large amount of flexible generation resources (i.e., large hydro) which could be used to match the City’s resource supplies with its load, but that the current practice is to instead optimize these resources based on market prices, because this generates the most financial value for the City and also yields the greatest environmental benefits for the grid as a whole. Staff also indicated that they are in the process of analyzing the costs and risks associated with pursuing a portfolio with 24x7 matching of supply resources and load. The UAC ultimately voted (5-1) to recommended approval of the IRP report at this meeting.
Staff also presented the 2023 IRP report and associated documents to the Finance Committee at their November 7, 2023 meeting. The Committee expressed interest in the significant amount of additional load from data centers and building and transportation electrification that is projected to come online in the coming years, and the impacts that this new load will have on the City’s Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
13 Packet Pg. 190 of 371
supply procurement needs, retail rates, and General Fund. The Committee also commented on general renewable energy market trends and the prospect that technological innovation and market adoption rates may drive market prices down more than the IRP modeling assumed.
The Committee also expressed interest in the idea that if the City were to utilize its hydroelectric resources to more closely match the City’s resource supplies with its load on an hourly basis, this would result in the City receiving significantly less revenue from these resources while also increasing total greenhouse gas emissions across the state. Finally, the Committee recommended that staff emphasize in the final report to the City Council that the primary purpose of the IRP report is to satisfy state regulatory requirements and demonstrate that Palo Alto is on track to meet and exceed the state’s long-term climate objectives, and it does not reflect how far the City actually intends to go in order to meet its more aggressive S/CAP goals. Staff and the Committee also noted that all future resource decisions will be accompanied by additional analysis and review by the UAC, Finance Committee, and City Council. The Finance Committee voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend approval of the IRP report at this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Council’s review and approval of the 2023 IRP report does not meet the definition of a project under Public Resources Code 21065 and therefore California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review is not required.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Approving the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Attachment B: Integrated Resource Plan Objective and Strategies
APPROVED BY:
Dean Batchelor, Director of Utilities
Staff: James Stack, PhD, Sr. Resource Planner
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
14 Packet Pg. 191 of 371
Attachment A
* NOT YET APPROVED *
6056782 1
Resolution No. _________
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving the 2023 Electric Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
R E C I T A L S
A. Senate Bill 350 was adopted in 2015, establishing a requirement that all publicly owned utilities (POUs) with an average load greater than 700 GWh (in the 2013-16 period) must adopt Integrated Resource Plans (IRP) by January 1, 2019, submit them to the California Energy Commission (CEC), and update them at least once every five years thereafter (Public Utilities Code Sec. 9621(b)).
B. Based on historical data, the City of Palo Alto is one of the California POUs that are required to file an IRP.
C. The CEC is required to review POU IRPs for consistency with Public Utilities Code 9621 and recommend corrections to deficiencies in the plans, according to the Publicly Owned Utility Integrated Resource Plan Submission and Review Guidelines (POU IRP Guidelines) most recently adopted by the CEC in August 2018.
D. The POU IRP Guidelines require POUs to submit certain supporting information along with the IRP, including a set of four standardized tables and a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Procurement Plan.
E. The City of Palo Alto approved the 2018 Electric IRP and related documents on December 3, 2018 (Resolution 9802) and staff submitted them to the CEC on April 30, 2019.
F. The City of Palo Alto first adopted an RPS Procurement Plan on December 12, 2011 (Resolution 9215) and last updated it on December 7, 2020 (Resolution 9929).
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves the 2023 Electric Integrated Resource Plan (Attachment B).
SECTION 2. The Council hereby approves the four standardized tables that accompany the 2023 IRP (Appendix C to Attachment B).
//
//
//
Item 3
Attachment A -
Resolution Approving the
2023 Integrated Resource
Plan
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
15 Packet Pg. 192 of 371
Attachment A
* NOT YET APPROVED *
6056782 2
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution approving the 2023 IRP and related documents is not a project subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review because adoption of this resolution is an administrative government activity that will not result in any direct or indirect physical change to the environment as a result (CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5)).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
___________________________ ___________________________ City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
___________________________ ___________________________ Assistant City Attorney City Manager
___________________________
Director of Utilities
___________________________
Director of Administrative Services
Item 3
Attachment A -
Resolution Approving the
2023 Integrated Resource
Plan
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
16 Packet Pg. 193 of 371
Attachment B
6056782
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
Objective and Strategies
IRP Objective
To provide safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and cost -effective electricity supplies and services to all customers.
IRP Strategies
1. Pursue an Optimal Mix of Supply -side and Demand-side Resources: When procuring to meet demand, pursue an optimal mix of resources that meets the IRP Objective, with cost- effective energy efficiency, distributed generation, and demand -side resources as preferred resources. Consider portfolio fit and resource uncertainties when evaluating cost-effectiveness.
2. Maintain a Carbon Neutral Supply: Maintain a carbon neutral electric supply portfolio to meet the community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals.
3. Actively Manage Portfolio Supply Cost Uncertainties: Structure the portfolio or add mitigations to manage short-term risks (e.g. market price risk and hydroelectric variability) and build flexibility into the portfolio to address long-term risks (e.g. resource availability, customer load profile changes, and regulatory uncertainty) through diversification of suppliers, contract terms, and resource types.
4. Manage Electric Portfolio to Ensure Low est Possible Ratepayer Bills: Pursue resources in a least -cost, best-fit approach in an effort to ensure ratepayer bills remain as low as possible, while achieving other Council-adopted sustainability, rate, and financial objectives.
5. Partner with External Agencies to Implement Optimization Opportunities : Actively engage and partner with external agencies to maximize resource value and optimize operations.
6. Manage Supplies to Meet Changing Customer Loads and Load Profiles: Maintain electric supply resource flexibility in anticipation of potential changes in customer loads due to distributed energy resources, efficiency, electrification, or for other reasons. At the same time, use retail rates and other a vailable tools to influence customer load changes in a manner that minimizes overall costs and achieves other Council objectives.
7. Ensure Reliable and Low-cost Transmission Services: Work with the transmission system operator to receive reliable service in a least-cost manner.
8. Support Local Electric Supply Resiliency: Coordinate supply portfolio planning with utility-wide efforts to s upport local measures and programs that enhance community electric supply resiliency.
9. Comply with State and Federal Laws and Regulations: Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements for energy, capacity, reserves, GHG emissions, distributed energy resources, efficiency goals, resource planning, and related initiatives.
Item 3
Attachment B - Integrated
Resource Plan Objective
and Strategies
Item 3: Staff Report
Pg.
17 Packet Pg. 194 of 371
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Police
Meeting Date: December 4, 2023
Report #:2309-2066
TITLE
Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement With the State of California Board of State and Community Corrections to Develop and Implement a Three-Year Program to Combat Organized Retail Theft with $5.2 million in State Funds, Requiring $0 in City Matching Funds; and Approve a FY 2024 Budget Amendment (Requires 2/3 approval) in the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund; CEQA status – not a project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute a Funding Agreement (attached) with the State of California Board of State and Community Corrections for the development and implementation of the Organized Retail Theft action plan. The Agreement will provide up to $5.2 million in funding over three years, and the City will not be required to provide matching funds; and
2) Amend the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Appropriation for the Special Law Enforcement Services Fund (requires a 2/3 approval) by:
a) Increasing the estimate for Revenue from Other Agencies, grants by $5,176,400; and b) Increasing Police Department expense appropriation for Salary & Benefits $4,749,400, c) Increasing Police Department expense appropriation for Facilities & Equipment $333,300,
d) Increasing Police Department expense appropriation Supplies and General Expenses $94,100.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Approval of this grant funding from the State will provide the Police Department with additional resources for up to 38 months (approximately 3 years) to combat Organized Retail Theft (ORT) and the use of stolen vehicles or vehicles with stolen license plates in the commission of ORT Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
1 Packet Pg. 195 of 371
crimes. Like most cities in the Bay Area, Palo Alto has been impacted by the rise in ORT over the past few years. The State of California has recognized the issue and solicited and awarded grants to local communities throughout the state to combat the problem. The Palo Alto Police Department applied for a grant to combat ORT and related crimes from the Board of State and Community Corrections. In September 2023, the Police Department learned that it had received the grant pending City Council authorization. The grant will fund the development and implementation of a program to combat ORT. Funding is available for three years for reimbursements up to $5.2 million, paid monthly or quarterly as expenses are incurred and invoiced. No matching contribution by the City is required.
Palo Alto’s program, while still in the development phase, anticipates a two-part approach: 1) staff assigned on overtime to patrol, investigate, and attend court for ORT crimes at shopping districts where the value of thefts and/or the impact on public safety is greatest; and 2) equip patrol vehicles with a device capable of affixing a global positioning system (GPS) tracker to the vehicles of fleeing suspects. This action is only the acceptance of the grant funds and the appropriation of the expense budget. Staff still needs to develop draft policies for the purchase of and use of the trackers in accordance with the City’s Surveillance and Privacy Protection ordinance.
BACKGROUND
While Palo Alto is a very safe city, crime still occurs here. Most of the crime that occurs is property crime, not violent crime. Of all the types of property crimes, ORT has become more common in recent years, and currently is occurring multiple times each week in Palo Alto. These crimes are often carried out by suspects driving stolen vehicles or vehicles with stolen license plates. The following data represents losses originating from the Stanford Shopping Center (SSC) and the downtown business area. The source of this information is based on losses reported by merchants to the Police Department.
• Stolen property loss 2018 - $886,419
• Stolen property loss 2019 - $1,305,483
• Stolen property loss 2020 - $851,246
• Stolen property loss 2021 - $1,143,656
• Stolen property loss 2022 - $1,532,331
The California Department of Justice defines ORT as organized criminal rings that steal property with the intent to sell, distribute, or return stolen merchandise for value. ORT takes many forms, from coordinated thefts of specific goods to orchestrated, brazen burglaries of local retailers. In whatever form it takes, these organized crimes are felonies, not petty theft or shoplifting. ORT incidents are often part of sophisticated criminal networks that plan their attacks weeks or Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
2 Packet Pg. 196 of 371
months before they are carried out. Further, agencies throughout the region have reported an increase in crimes conducted in stolen vehicles or vehicles with stolen license plates.
The California Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 154) established the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. Per the state Budget Act, funding for the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program is for competitive grants for city police departments, county sheriffs’ departments, and probation departments. Grant funds shall be used to support local law enforcement agencies in preventing and responding to organized retail theft, motor vehicle or motor vehicle accessory theft, or cargo theft. Permissible uses of grant funds include, but are not limited to, purchase of technology or other equipment that would help deter, prevent, or respond to these crimes. These funds shall be used to supplement and not supplant existing funds for these activities.
All entities receiving grant funding shall be required to comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations. Grants shall be made on a competitive basis to localities that can demonstrate, using data, that organized retail theft, motor vehicle or motor vehicle accessory theft, or cargo theft pose a significant problem in their jurisdictions. The California Board of State and Community Corrections oversees the administration of the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. Established in 2012, the BSCC is an independent statutory agency that provides leadership to the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems, expertise on Public Safety Realignment issues, a data and information clearinghouse, and technical assistance on a wide range of community corrections issues. In addition, the BSCC administers significant public safety-related grant funding, both at the federal and state level, for the State of California.
Notice of Funding was issued on April 14, 2023, applications were due July 7, 2023, and the final Board decision was September 14, 2023. The grant cycle for these projects is October 1, 2023, through June 1, 2027.
To view the applications (including Palo Alto’s) and State grant process, see the BSCC website [https://www.bscc.ca.gov/organized-retail-theft-grant-program/].
ANALYSIS
In alignment with the grant application, staff recommend the “Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft and Motor Vehicle Recovery Project”; an effort that will utilize data-driven and field-tested strategies to deter organized retail theft and vehicle theft and arrest those responsible. The project focuses on two primary components: 1) targeted ORT enforcement operations and 2) technology modernization.
The grant award is intended for staffing cost reimbursement to investigate and apprehend suspects of ORT. The grant award also is intended to providing funding to install a new technology on police patrol vehicles that will allow officers to remotely affix a GPS transmitter to fleeing vehicles. Suspects often choose to use stolen vehicles, or vehicles with stolen license plates, in the commission of their crimes because it frustrates the ability of police to quickly make arrests.
These suspects will flee attempted vehicle stops by police, knowing that often police will not Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
3 Packet Pg. 197 of 371
endanger the public by pursuing vehicles wanted only for property-related crimes. This new technology will provide additional investigative leads and allow officers to locate and apprehend suspects without the necessity for a potentially dangerous vehicle pursuit more safely. The technology will be installed on 25 marked Palo Alto Police Department patrol vehicles. Prior to the acquisition and implementation of such technology, staff would develop draft policies for the purchase of and use of the trackers in accordance with the City’s Surveillance and Privacy Protection ordinance.
The goals of the project will be to reduce losses to Palo Alto businesses, and to recover 10% more stolen vehicles than in prior years.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The application was prepared using existing City staffing resources as well as the resources of a grant processing service provider who was already engaged under contract for no additional charge. No additional staff or operating budget resources are necessary to accept the grant except for purchasing staff time to make the purchase of equipment.
Grant budget from the application
Staff anticipates a salary cost of $4.73 million (approximately $1.58 million annually) with most of the expense allocated to deploying three police officers, all on overtime, each for ten-hour shifts, daily for 38 months. Staff anticipates $0.33 million for the installation of GPS tracking technology on 25 vehicles and a computer workstation set-up in a temporary field office at Stanford Shopping Center. $81,000 will be used for audit and evaluation according to the grant application and $13,200 in other miscellaneous costs.
The grant funding should conclude in approximately three years, June 1, 2027. Staff has considered if overtime or full-time staffing would be more appropriate. After consideration of the skills necessary for this work, current staffing levels with vacancies, and training period, staff believes that no new positions are necessary currently. However, should the City Council decide to continue the program after grant funding has expired, funding and resource needs would be Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
4 Packet Pg. 198 of 371
addressed as part of the annual budget process. Staff anticipates modest maintenance costs related to the GPS technology at the end of the grant term and will bring forward for requests for funding as part of the annual budget process if it cannot otherwise be absorbed in the Department‘s budget.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff conducted outreach with the business community including the Chamber of Commerce and Simon Property, operator of Stanford Shopping Center, who all provided letters of support as did the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Public Resources Code § 21065 includes a definition of a “project” as subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if it is an activity directly undertaken by a public agency which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. This project is exempt from the provisions of the CEQA, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: STD 214 Standard Agreement
APPROVED BY:
Andrew Binder, Police Chief
Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
5 Packet Pg. 199 of 371
STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES SCO ID:5227-BSCC-1164-23 STANDARD AGREEMENT AGREEMENT NUMBER PURCHASING AUTHORITY NUMBER (If Applicable) STD 213 (Rev 03/2019) BSCC 1164- 23
1. This Agreement is entered into between the Contracting Agency and the Contractor named below:
CONTRACTING AGENCY NAME
BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
CONTRACTOR NAME
City of Palo Alto
2. The term of this Agreement is:
START DATE
OCTOBER 1, 2023
THROUGH END DATE
JUNE 1, 2027
3. The maximum amount of this Agreement is:
$5,176,812.00
4. The parties agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the following exhibits, attachments, and appendices which are by this reference made a part of the Agreement.
EXHIBITS TITLE PAGES
Exhibit A Scope of Work 3
Exhibit B Budget Detail and Payment Provisions 4
Exhibit C General Terms and Conditions (04/2017) 4
Exhibit D
Special Terms and Conditions 5
Attachment 1* Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program Request for Proposals * Attachment 2 Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program Grant Proposal 32 Appendix A
Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Scoring Panel Roster 1 Appendix B Grantee Assurance for Non-Governmental Organizations 2 * This item is hereby incorporated by reference and can be viewed at: https://www.bscc.ca.gov/organized-retail-theft-grant-program/ IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES HERETO.
CONTRACTOR
CONTRACTOR NAME (if other than an individual, state whether a corporation, partnership, etc.) City of Palo Alto
CITY STATE ZIPCONTRACTOR BUSINESS ADDRESS
250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto CA 94301
PRINTED NAME OF PERSON SIGNING
Ed Shikada
TITLE
City Manger
CONTRACTOR AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
CONTRACTING AGENCY NAME
BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
CONTRACTING AGENCY ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP
2590 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200 Sacramento CA 95833
PRINTED NAME OF PERSON SIGNING TITLE
COLLEEN CURTIN Deputy Director
CONTRACTING AGENCY AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES APPROVAL: EXEMPT PER SCM, VOLUME 1, CH. 4.06 DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB 9/26/2023
Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
6 Packet Pg. 200 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF WORK
1. GRANT AGREEMENT – Organized Retail Theft Grant Program This Grant Agreement is between the State of California, Board of State and Community Corrections (hereafter referred to as BSCC) and City of Palo Alto (hereafter referred to as the Grantee).
2. PROJECT SUMMARY AND ADMINISTRATION
A. The Organized Retail Theft Grant Program was established in Senate Bill 154 (SB 154) (Chapter 43, Statutes of 2022). Organized Retail Theft Grant Program funds shall be used to support local law enforcement agencies in preventing and responding to or ganized retail theft, motor vehicle or motor vehicle accessory theft, or cargo theft.
B. Grantee agrees to adm inister the project in ac cordance with Attachment 1: Or ganized Retail Theft Grant Program Request for Proposals (incor porated by reference) and Attachment 2: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Grant Proposal, which is attached and hereto and made part of this agreement.
3. PROJECT OFFICIALS
A. The BSCC's Executive Director or designee shall be the BSCC's representativ e for administration of the Gr ant Agreement and s hall have authority to make deter minations relating to any controver sies that may arise under or regarding the interpretation, performance, or payment for work performed under this Grant Agreement.
B. The Grantee’s project officials shall be those identified as follows:
Authorized Officer with legal authority to sign:
Name: Ed Shikada
Title: City Manager
Address: 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94301
Phone: 650-329-2392
Email: [email protected]
Designated Financial Officer authorized to receive warrants:
Name: Eric Jensen
Title: Management Analyst
Address: 275 Forest A
venue, Palo Alto CA 94301
Phone: 650-329-2346
Email: [email protected]
Project Director authorized to administer the project:
Name: Eric Bulatao
Title: Sergeant
Address: 275 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94301
Phone: 650-690-5754
Email: [email protected]
C. Either party may change its project representatives upon written notice to the other party.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
7 Packet Pg. 201 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF WORK
D. By signing this Grant Agreement, the Authorized Officer listed above warrants that he or she has full legal authority to bind the entity for which he or she signs.
4. DATA COLLECTION
Grantees will be required to comply with all data collection and reporting requirements as described in Attachment 1: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Request for Proposals (incorporated by reference) and Attachment 2: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Grant Proposal.
5. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. Grantee will submit quarterly progress reports in a format prescribed by the BSCC. These reports, which will describe progress made on program objectives and include required data, shall be submitted according to the following schedule:
Quarterly Progress Report Periods Due no later than:
1. October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 February 15, 2024
2. January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 May 15, 2024
3. April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 August 15, 2024
4. July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 November 15, 2024
5. October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 February 15, 2025
6. January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 May 15, 2025
7. April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 August 15, 2025
8. July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 November 15, 2025
9. October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 February 15, 2026
10. January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 May 15, 2026
11. April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 August 15, 2026
12. July 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026 November 15, 2026
13. October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 February 15, 2027
B. Evaluation Documents Due no later than:
1. Local Evaluation Plan April 1, 2024
2. Final Local Evaluation Report June 1, 2027
C. Other Due no later than:
Financial Audit Report June 1, 2027
Grantees that are unable to demonstrate that they are making sufficient progress toward project goals and objectives and show that funds are being spent in accordance with the Grant Agreement could be subject to a withholding of funds.
6. PROJECT RECORDS
A. The Grantee shall establish an official file for the project. The file shall contain adequate documentation of all actions taken with respect to the project, including copies of this Grant Agreement, approved program/budget modifications, financial records and required reports.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
8 Packet Pg. 202 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF WORK
B. The Grantee shall establish separate accounting records and maintain documents and other evidence sufficient to properly reflect the amount, receipt, and disposition of all project funds, including grant funds and any matching funds by the Grantee and the total cost of the project. Source documentation includes copies of all awards, applications, approved modifications, financial records, and narrative reports.
C. Personnel and payroll records shall include the time and attendance reports for all individuals reimbursed under the grant, whether they are employed full-time or part-time.
Time and effort reports are also required for all subcontractors and consultants.
D. The grantee shall maintain documentation of donated goods and/or services, including the basis for valuation.
E. Grantee agrees to protect records adequately from fire or other damage. When records are stored away from the Grantee’s principal office, a written index of the location of records stored must be on hand and ready access must be assured.
F. All Grantee records relevant to the project must be preserved a minimum of three (3) years after closeout of the grant project and shall be subject at all reasonable times to inspection, examination, monitoring, copying, excerpting, transcribing, and auditing by the BSCC or designees. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the three-year period, the records must be retained until the completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it or until the end of the regular three-year period, whichever is later.
7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
A. Existing law prohibits any grantee, subgrantee, partner or like party who participated on the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Scoring Panel from receiving funds awarded under the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program RFP. Applicants who are awarded grants under this RFP are responsible for reviewing the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Scoring Panel roster (Appendix A) and ensuring that no grant dollars are passed through to any entity represented by the members of the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Scoring Panel.
B. In cases of an actual conflict of interest with a Scoring Panel member, the Board may revoke the grant award and legal consequences could exist for the parties involved, including, but not limited to, repayment of the grant award.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
9 Packet Pg. 203 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT B: BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
1. INVOICING AND PAYMENT
A. The Grantee shall be paid quarterly in arrears by submitting an invoice (Form 201) to the BSCC that outlines actual expenditures claimed for the invoicing period.
Quarterly Invoicing Periods: Due no later than:
1. October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 February 15, 2024
2. January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 May 15, 2024
3. April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 August 15, 2024
4. July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 November 15, 2024
5. October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 February 15, 2025
6. January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 May 15, 2025
7. April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 August 15, 2025
8. July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 November 15, 2025
9. October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 February 15, 2026
10. January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 May 15, 2026
11. April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 August 15, 2026
12. July 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026 November 15, 2026
13. October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 February 15, 2027
Final Invoicing Periods*: Due no later than:
14. January 1, 2027 to March 31, 2027 May 15, 2027
15. April 1, 2027 to June 1, 2027 August 15, 2027
*Note: Project activity period ends December 31, 2026 . The period of January 1, 2027, to June 1, 2027, is for completion of Final Local Evaluation Report and financial audit only.
B. All project expenses must be incurred by the end of the project activity period, December 31, 2026, and included on the final invoice due February 15, 2027. Project expenditures incurred after December 31, 2026 will not be reimbursed.
C. The Final Local Evaluation Report is due to BSCC by June 1, 2027. Expenditures incurred for the completion of the Final Local Evaluation Report during the period of January 1, 2027, to June 1, 2027, must be submitted during the Final Invoicing Periods, with the final invoice due on August 15, 2027. Supporting fiscal documentation will be required for all expenditures claimed on during the Final Invoicing Periods and must be submitted with the final invoice.
D. The Financial Audit Report is due to BSCC by June 1, 2027 . Expenditures incurred for the completion of the financial audit during the period of January 1, 2027, to June 1, 2027, must be submitted during the Final Invoicing Periods, with the final invoice due on August 15, 2027. Supporting fiscal documentation will be required for all expenditures claimed during the Final Invoicing Periods and must be submitted with the final invoice.
E. Grantee shall submit an invoice to the BSCC each invoicing period, even if grant funds are not expended or requested during the invoicing period.
F. Upon the BSCC’s request, supporting documentation must be submitted for project expenditures. Grantees are required to maintain supporting documentation for all DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
10 Packet Pg. 204 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT B: BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
expenditures on the project site for the life of the grant and make it readily available for review during BSCC site visits. See Exhibit A. Scope of Work, Item 6. Project Records.
2. GRANT AMOUNT AND LIMITATION
A. In no event shall the BSCC be obligated to pay any amount in excess of the grant award.
Grantee waives any and all claims against the BSCC, and the State of California on account of project costs that may exceed the sum of the grant award.
B. Under no circumstance will a budget item change be authorized that would cause the project to exceed the amount of the grant award identified in this Grant Agreement. In no event shall changes be authorized for the Administrative Salaries and Benefits line item that would result in that item exceeding ten percent (10%) of the grant award.
3. BUDGET CONTINGENCY CLAUSE
A. This grant agreement is valid through Organized Retail Theft funding generated from the General Fund. The Grantee agrees that the BSCC’s obligation to pay any sum to the grantee under any provision of this agreement is contingent upon the availability of sufficient funding granted through the passage of Senate Bill 154 (Chapter 43, Statutes of 2022), also known as the California Budget Act of 2022 . It is mutually agreed that if the Budget Act of the current year and/or any subsequent years covered under this Grant Agreement does not appropriate sufficient funds for the program, this Grant Agreement shall be of no further force and effect. In this event, the BSCC shall have no liability to pay any funds whatsoever to Grantee or to furnish any other considerations under this Agreement and Grantee shall not be obligated to perform any provisions of this Grant Agreement.
B. If Organized Retail Theft funding is reduced or falls below estimates contained within the Organized Retail Theft Request for Proposals, the BSCC shall have the option to either cancel this Grant Agreement with no liability occurring to the BSCC or offer an amendment to this agreement to the Grantee to reflect a reduced amount.
C. If BSCC cancels the agreement pursuant to Paragraph 3(B) or Grantee does not agree to an amendment in accordance with the option provided by Paragraph 3(B), it is mutually agreed that the Grant Agreement shall have no further force and effect. In this event, the BSCC shall have no liability to pay any funds whatsoever to Grantee or to furnish any other considerations under this Agreement and Grantee shall not be obligated to perform any provisions of this Grant Agreement except that Grantee shall be required to maintain all project records required by Paragraph 6 of Exhibit A for a period of three (3) years following the termination of this agreement.
4. PROJECT COSTS
A. The Grantee agrees to comply with the BSCC Grant Administration Guide requirements as posted on the BSCC website (currently the BSCC Grant Administration Guide July 2020) including any updated version that may be posted during term of the grant DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
11 Packet Pg. 205 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT B: BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
agreement. BSCC will notify grantees whenever an updated version is posted. The BSCC Grant Administration Guide is available at:
https://www.bscc.ca.gov/s_correctionsplanningandprograms/ B. The provisions of the BSCC Grant Administration Guide are incorporated by reference into this agreement and Grantee shall be responsible for adhering to the requirements set forth therein. To the extent any of the provisions of the BSCC Grant Administration Guide and this agreement conflict, the language in this agreement shall prevail.
C. Grantee is responsible for ensuring that statements of expenditures submitted to the BSCC claim actual expenditures for eligible project costs.
D. Grantee shall, upon demand, remit to the BSCC any grant funds not expended for eligible project costs or an amount equal to any grant funds expended by the Grantee in violation of the terms, provisions, conditions or commitments of this Grant Agreement.
E. Grant funds must be used to support new program activities or to augment existing funds that expand current program activities. Grant funds shall not replace (supplant) any federal, state and/or local funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose.
Violations can result in recoupment of monies provided under this grantor suspension of future program funding through BSCC grants.
5. PROMPT PAYMENT CLAUSE
Payment will be made in accordance with, and within the time specified in, Government Code Chapter 4.5, commencing with Section 927.
6. WITHHOLDING OF GRANT DISBURSEMENTS
A. The BSCC may withhold all or any portion of the grant funds provided by this Grant Agreement in the event the Grantee has materially and substantially breached the terms and conditions of this Grant Agreement.
B. At such time as the balance of state funds allocated to the Grantee reaches five percent (5%), the BSCC may withhold that amount as security, to be released to the Grantee upon compliance with all grant provisions, including:
1) submittal and approval of the final invoice;
2) submittal and approval of the final progress report; and C. The BSCC will not reimburse Grantee for costs identified as ineligible for grant funding. If grant funds have been provided for costs subsequently deemed ineligible, the BSCC may either withhold an equal amount from future payments to the Grantee or require repayment of an equal amount to the State by the Grantee.
D. In the event that grant funds are withheld from the Grantee, the BSCC’s Executive Director or designee shall notify the Grantee of the reasons for withholding and advise the Grantee of the time within which the Grantee may remedy the failure or violation leading to the withholding.
7. EXECUTIVE ORDER N-6-22 – RUSSIA SANCTIONS
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
12 Packet Pg. 206 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT B: BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N -6-2 2 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. The EO directs state agencies to terminate contracts with, and to refrain from entering any new contracts with, individuals or entities that are determined to be a target of Economic Sanctions. Accordingly, should the State determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement. The State shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the State.
8. PROJECT BUDGET
BSCC Budget Line Item A.
Grant Funds
1. Salaries and Benefits $4,732,705
2. Services and Supplies $4,000
3. Professional Services or Public Agency Subcontracts $0
4. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Subcontracts $0
5. Data Collection and Evaluation $79,414
6. Equipment/Fixed Assets $329,515
7. Financial Audit (Up to $25,000) $5,885
8. Other (Travel, Training, etc.) $25,293
9. Indirect Costs $0
TOTALS $5,176,812
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
13 Packet Pg. 207 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT C: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (04/2017)
1. APPROVAL: This Agreement is of no force or effect until signed by both parties and approved by the Department of General Services, if required. Contractor may not commence performance until such approval has been obtained.
2. AMENDMENT: No amendment or variation of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing, signed by the parties and approved as required. No oral understanding or Agreement not incorporated in the Agreement is binding on any of the parties.
3. ASSIGNMENT: This Agreement is not assignable by the Contractor, either in whole or in part, without the consent of the State in the form of a formal written amendment.
4. AUDIT: Contractor agrees that the awarding department, the Department of General Services, the Bureau of State Audits, or their designated representative shall have the right to review and to copy any records and supporting documentation pertaining to the performance of this Agreement. Contractor agrees to maintain such records for possible audit for a minimum of three (3) years after final payment, unless a longer period of records retention is stipulated. Contractor agrees to allow the auditor(s) access t o such records during normal business hours and to allow interviews of any employees who might reasonably have information related to such records. Further, Contractor agrees to include a similar right of the State to audit records and interview staff in a ny subcontract related to performance of this Agreement. (Gov. Code §8546.7, Pub. Contract Code §10115 et seq., CCR Title 2, Section 1896).
5. INDEMNIFICATION: Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the State, its officers, agents and employees from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any and all contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, laborers, and any other person, firm or corporation furnishing or supplying work services, materials, or supplies in connection with the performance of this Agreement, and from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any person, firm or corporation who may be injured or damaged by Contractor in the performance of this Agreement. This obligation shall survive any termination of this agreement.
6. DISPUTES: Contractor shall continue with the responsibilities under this Agreement during any dispute.
7. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE: The State may terminate this Agreement and be relieved of any payments should the Contractor fail to perform the requirements of this Agreement at the time and in the manner herein provided. In the event of such termination the State may proceed with the work in any manner deemed proper by the State. All costs to the State shall be deducted from any sum due the Contractor under this Agreement and the balance, if any, shall be paid to the Contractor upon demand.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
14 Packet Pg. 208 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT C: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (04/2017)
8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Contractor, and the agents and employees of Contractor, in the performance of this Agreement, shall act in an independent capacity and not as officers or employees or agents of the State.
9. RECYCLING CERTIFICATION: The Contractor shall certify in writing under penalty of perjury, the minimum, if not exact, percentage of post -consumer material as defined in the Public Contract Code Section 12200, in products, materials, goods, or supplies offered or sold to the State regardless of whether the product meets the requirements of Public Contract Code Section 12209. With respect to printer or duplication cartridges that comply with the requirements of Section 12156(e), the certification required by this subdivision shall specify that the cartridges so comply (Pub. Contract Code §12205).
10. NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE: During the performance of this Agreement, Contractor and its subcontractor s shall not deny the contract’s benefits to any person on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status, nor shall they discriminate unlawfully against any employee or applicant for empl oyment because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. Contractor shall insure that the evaluation and treatment of employees and applicants for employment are free of such discrimination.
Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with the provisions of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Gov. Code §12900 et seq.), the regulations promulgated thereunder (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, §11000 et seq.), the provisions of Article 9.5, Chapter 1, Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code (Gov. Code §§11135-11139.5), and the regulations or standards adopted by the awarding state agency to implement such article. Contractor shall permit access by representatives of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the awarding state agency upon reasonable notice at any time during the normal business hours, but in no case less than 24 hours’ notice, to such of its books, records, accounts, and all other sources of information and its facilities as said Department or Agency shall require to ascertain compliance with this clause. Contractor and its subcontractors shall give written notice of their obligations under this clause to labor organizations with which they have a collective bargaining or other agreement. (See Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, §11105.) Contractor shall include the nondiscrimination and compliance provisions of this clause in all subcontracts to perform work under the Agreement.
11. CERTIFICATION CLAUSES: The CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION CLAUSES contained in the document CCC 04/2017 ( https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page- Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language) are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement by this reference as if attached hereto.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
15 Packet Pg. 209 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT C: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (04/2017)
12. TIMELINESS: Time is of the essence in this Agreement.
13. COMPENSATION: The consideration to be paid Contractor, as provided herein, shall be in compensation for all of Contractor's expenses incurred in the performance hereof, including travel, per diem, and taxes, unless otherwise expressly so provided.
14. GOVERNING LAW: This contract is governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
15. ANTITRUST CLAIMS: The Contractor by signing this agreement hereby certifies that if these services or goods are obtained by means of a competitive bid, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the Government Codes Sections set out below.
A. The Government Code Chapter on Antitrust claims contains the following definitions:
1) "Public purchase" means a purchase by means of competitive bids of goods, services, or materials by the State or any of its political subdivisions or public agencies on whose behalf the Attorney General may bring an action pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 16750 of the Business and Professions Code.
2) "Public purchasing body" means the State or the subdivision or agency making a public purchase. Government Code Section 4550.
B. In submitting a bid to a public purchasing body, the bidder offers and agrees that if the bid is accepted, it will assign to the purchasing body all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act ( 15 U.S.C. Sec. 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, materials, or services by the bidder for sale to the purchasing body pursuant to the bid.
Such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing body tenders final payment to the bidder. Government Code Section 4552.
C. If an awarding body or public purchasing body receives, either through judgment or settlement, a monetary recovery for a cause of action assigned under this chapter, the assignor shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual legal costs incurred and may, upon demand, recover from the public body any portion of the recovery, including treble damages, attributable to overcharges that were paid by the assignor but were not paid by the public body as part of the bid price, less the expenses incurred in obtaining that portion of the recovery. Government Code Section 4553.
D. Upon demand in writing by the assignor, the assignee shall, within one year from such demand, reassign the cause of action assigned under this part if the assignor has been or may have been injured by the violation of law for which the cause of action aros e and (a) the assignee has not been injured thereby, or (b) the assignee declines to file a court action for the cause of action. See Government Code Section 4554.
16. CHILD SUPPORT COMPLIANCE ACT: For any Agreement in excess of $100,000, the contractor acknowledges in accordance with Public Contract Code 7110, that:
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
16 Packet Pg. 210 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT C: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (04/2017)
A. The contractor recognizes the importance of child and family support obligations and shall fully comply with all applicable state and federal laws relating to child and family support enforcement, including, but not limited to, disclosure of information and compliance with earnings assignment orders, as provided in Chapter 8 (commencing with section 5200) of Part 5 of Division 9 of the Family Code; and
B. The contractor, to the best of its knowledge is fully complying with the earnings assignment orders of all employees and is providing the names of all new employees to the New Hire Registry maintained by the California Employment Development Department.
17. UNENFORCEABLE PROVISION: In the event that any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable or held to be unenforceable, then the parties agree that all other provisions of this Agreement have force and effect and shall not be affected thereby.
18. PRIORITY HIRING CONSIDERATIONS: If this Contract includes services in excess of $200,000, the Contractor shall give priority consideration in filling vacancies in positions funded by the Contract to qualified recipients of aid under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 11200 in accordance with Pub. Contract Code §10353.
19. SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND DVBE PARTICIPATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
A. If for this Contract Contractor made a commitment to achieve small business participation, then Contractor must within 60 days of receiving final payment under this Contract (or within such other time period as may be specified elsewhere in this Contract) report to the awarding department the actual percentage of small business participation that was achieved. (Gov. Code § 14841.)
B. If for this Contract Contractor made a commitment to achieve disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation, then Contractor must within 60 days of receiving final payment under this Contract (or within such other time period as may be specified elsewhere in this Contract) certify in a report to the awarding department: (1) the total amount the prime Contractor received under the Contract; (2) the name and address of the DVBE(s) that participated in the performance of the Contract; (3) the amount each DVBE received from the prime Contractor; (4) that all payments under the Contract have been made to the DVBE; and (5) the actual percentage of DVBE participation that was achieved. A person or entity that knowingly provides false information shall b e subject to a civil penalty for each violation. (Mil. & Vets. Code § 999.5(d); Govt. Code § 14841.)
20. LOSS LEADER: If this contract involves the furnishing of equipment, materials, or supplies then the following statement is incorporated: It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this state to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defi ned in Section 17030 of the Business and Professions Code. (PCC 10344(e).) DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
17 Packet Pg. 211 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT D: SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. GRANTEE’S GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY
A. Grantee agrees to comply with all terms and conditions of this Grant Agreement. Review and approval by the BSCC is solely for the purpose of proper administration of grant funds, and shall not be deemed to relieve or restrict the Grantee’s responsibility.
B. Grantee is responsible for the performance of all project activities identified in Attachment 1: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Request for Proposals (incorporated by reference) and Attachment 2: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Grant Proposal.
C. Grantee shall immediately advise the BSCC of any significant problems or changes that arise during the course of the project.
2. GRANTEE ASSURANCES AND COMMITMENTS
A. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
This Grant Agreement is governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Grantee shall at all times comply with all applicable State laws, rules and regulations, and all applicable local ordinances.
B. Fulfillment of Assurances and Declarations
Grantee shall fulfill all assurances, declarations, representations, and statements made by the Grantee in Attachment 1: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Request for Proposals (incorporated by reference) and Attachment 2: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Grant Proposal , documents, amendments, approved modifications, and communications filed in support of its request for grant funds.
C. Permits and Licenses
Grantee agrees to procure all permits and licenses necessary to complete the project, pay all charges and fees, and give all notices necessary or incidental to the due and lawful proceeding of the project work.
3. POTENTIAL SUBCONTRACTORS
A. In accordance with the provisions of this Grant Agreement, the Grantee may subcontract for services needed to implement and/or support program activities. Grantee agrees that in the event of any inconsistency between this Grant Agreement and Grantee’s agreement with a subcontractor, the language of this Grant Agreement will prevail.
B. Nothing contained in this Grant Agreement or otherwise, shall create any contractual relation between the BSCC and any subcontractors, and no subcontract shall relieve the Grantee of his responsibilities and obligations hereunder. The Grantee agrees to be as fully responsible to the BSCC for the acts and omissions of its subcontractors and of persons either directly or indirectly employed by any of them as it is for the acts and omissions of persons directly employed by the Grantee. The Grantee's obligation to pay its subcontractors is an independent obligation from the BSCC's obligation to make payments to the Grantee. As a result, the BSCC shall have no obligation to pay or to enforce the payment of any moneys to any subcontractor.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
18 Packet Pg. 212 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT D: SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
C. Grantee shall ensure that all subcontractors comply with the eligibility requirements stated in the ARG Rehabilitation of Existing Property or Building Project RFP and described in Appendix B.
D. Grantee assures that for any subcontract awarded by the Grantee, such insurance and fidelity bonds, as is customary and appropriate, will be obtained.
E. Grantee agrees to place appropriate language in all subcontracts for work on the project requiring the Grantee’s subcontractors to:
1) Books and Records
Maintain adequate fiscal and project books, records, documents, and other evidence pertinent to the subcontractor’s work on the project in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Adequate supporting documentation shall be maintained in such detail so as to permit tracing transactions from the invoices, to the accounting records, to the supporting documentation. These records shall be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years after the acceptance of the final grant project audit under the Grant Agreement, and shall be subject to examination and/or audit by the BSCC or designees, state government auditors or designees, or by federal government auditors or designees.
2) Access to Books and Records
Make such books, records, supporting documentations, and other evidence available to the BSCC or designee, the State Controller’s Office, the Department of General Services, the Department of Finance, California State Auditor, and their designated representatives during the course of the project and for a minimum of three (3) years after acceptance of the final grant project audit. The Subcontractor shall provide suitable facilities for access, monitoring, inspection, and copying of books and records related to the grant-funded project.
4. PROJECT ACCESS
Grantee shall ensure that the BSCC, or any authorized representative, will have suitable access to project activities, sites, staff and documents at all reasonable times during the grant period including those maintained by subcontractors. Access to program records will be made available by both the grantee and the subcontractors for a period of three (3) years following the end of the grant of the project.
5. ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS
A. Grantee agrees that accounting procedures for grant funds received pursuant to this Grant Agreement shall be in accordance with generally accepted government accounting principles and practices, and adequate supporting documentation shall be maintained in such detail as to provide an audit trail. Supporting documentation shall permit the tracing of transactions from such documents to relevant accounting records, financial reports and invoices.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
19 Packet Pg. 213 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT D: SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
B. The BSCC reserves the right to call for a program or financial audit at any time between the execution of this Grant Agreement and three years following the end of the grant period. At any time, the BSCC may disallow all or part of the cost of the activity or action determined to not be in compliance with the terms and conditions of this Grant Agreement or take other remedies legally available.
6. DEBARMENT, FRAUD, THEFT OR EMBEZZLEMENT
It is the policy of the BSCC to protect grant funds from unreasonable risks of fraudulent, criminal, or other improper use. As such, the Board will not enter into contracts or provide reimbursement to grantees that have been:
1. debarred by any federal, state, or local government entities during the period of debarment; or
2. convicted of fraud, theft, or embezzlement of federal, state, or local government grant funds for a period of three years following conviction.
Furthermore, the BSCC requires grant recipients to provide an assurance that there has been no applicable debarment, disqualification, suspension, or removal from a federal, state or local grant program on the part of the grantee at the time of application and that the grantee will immediately notify the BSCC should such debarment or conviction occur during the term of the Grant contract.
BSCC also requires that all grant recipients include, as a condition of award to a subgrantee or subcontractor, a requirement that the subgrantee or subcontractor will provide the same assurances to the grant recipient. If a grant recipient wishes to consi der a subgrantee or subcontractor that has been debarred or convicted, the grant recipient must submit a written request for exception to the BSCC along with supporting documentation.
All Grantees must have on file with the BSCC a completed and signed Certification of Compliance with BSCC Policies on Debarment, Fraud, Theft and Embezzlement (Required as Appendix E of the original Proposal Package).
7. MODIFICATIONS
No change or modification in the project will be permitted without prior written approval from the BSCC. Changes may include modification to project scope, changes to performance measures, compliance with collection of data elements, and other significant changes in the budget or program components contained in the Attachment 1: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Request for Proposals and Attachment 2: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Grant Proposal. Changes shall not be implemented by the project unt il authorized by the BSCC.
8. TERMINATION
A. This Grant Agreement may be terminated by the BSCC at any time after grant award and prior to completion of project upon action or inaction by the Grantee that constitutes a DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
20 Packet Pg. 214 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT D: SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
material and substantial breach of this Grant Agreement. Such action or inaction includes but is not limited to:
1) substantial alteration of the scope of the grant project without prior written approval of the BSCC;
2) refusal or inability to complete the grant project in a manner consistent with Attachment 1: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Request for Proposals and Attachment 2: Organized Retail Theft Grant Program Grant Proposal , or approved modifications;
3) failure to meet prescribed assurances, commitments, recording, accounting, auditing, and reporting requirements of the Grant Agreement.
B. Prior to terminating the Grant Agreement under this provision, the BSCC shall provide the Grantee at least 30 calendar days written notice stating the reasons for termination and effective date thereof. The Grantee may appeal the termination decision in ac cordance with the instructions listed in Exhibit D: Special Terms and Conditions, Number 9.
Settlement of Disputes.
9. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
A. The parties shall deal in good faith and attempt to resolve potential disputes informally. If the dispute persists, the Grantee shall submit to the BSCC Corrections Planning and Grant Programs Division Deputy Director a written demand for a final decision regarding the disposition of any dispute between the parties arising under, related to, or involving this Grant Agreement. Grantee’s written demand shall be fully supported by factual information. The BSCC Corrections Planning and Grant Programs Division D eputy Director shall have 30 days after receipt of Grantee’s written demand invoking this Section “Disputes” to render a written decision. If a written decision is not rendered within 30 days after receipt of the Grantee’s demand, it shall be deemed a deci sion adverse to the Grantee’s contention. If the Grantee is not satisfied with the decision of the BSCC Corrections Planning and Grant Programs Division Deputy Director, the Grantee may appeal the decision, in writing, within 15 days of its issuance (or the expiration of the 30- day period in the event no decision is rendered), to the BSCC Executive Director, who shall have 45 days to render a final decision. If the Grantee does not appeal the decision of the BSCC Corrections Planning and Grant Programs Divi sion Deputy Director, the decision shall be conclusive and binding regarding the dispute and the Contractor shall be barred from commencing an action in court, or with the Victims Compensation Government Claims Board, for failure to exhaust Grantee’s administrative remedies.
B. Pending the final resolution of any dispute arising under, related to or involving this Grant Agreement, Grantee agrees to diligently proceed with the performance of this Grant Agreement, including the providing of services in accordance with the Grant Agreement.
Grantee’s failure to diligently proceed in accordance with the State’s instructions regarding this Grant Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Grant Agreement.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
21 Packet Pg. 215 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23
EXHIBIT D: SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
C. Any final decision of the State shall be expressly identified as such, shall be in writing, and shall be signed by the Executive Director, if an appeal was made. If the Executive Director fails to render a final decision within 45 days after receipt of the Grantee’s appeal for a final decision, it shall be deemed a final decision adverse to the Grantee’s contentions. The State’s final decision shall be conclusive and binding regarding the dispute unless the Grantee commences an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to contest such decision within 90 days following the date of the final decision or one (1) year following the accrual of the cause of action, whichever is later.
D. The dates of decision and appeal in this section may be modified by mutual consent, as applicable, excepting the time to commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
10. UNION ACTIVITIES
For all agreements, except fixed price contracts of $50,000 or less, the Grantee acknowledges that applicability of Government Code §§16654 through 16649 to this Grant Agreement and agrees to the following:
A. No State funds received under the Grant Agreement will be used to assist, promote or deter union organizing.
B. Grantee will not, for any business conducted under the Grant Agreement, use any State property to hold meetings with employees or supervisors, if the purpose of such meetings is to assist, promote or deter union organizing, unless the State property is equally available to the general public for holding meetings.
C. If Grantee incurs costs or makes expenditures to assist, promote or deter union organizing, Grantee will maintain records sufficient to show that no reimbursement from State funds has been sought for these costs, and that Grantee shall provide those records to the Attorney General upon request.
11. WAIVER
The parties hereto may waive any of their rights under this Grant Agreement unless such waiver is contrary to law, provided that any such waiver shall be in writing and signed by the party making such waiver.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
22 Packet Pg. 216 of 371
BSCC Powered by Submittable
Title City of Palo Alto
by Eric Bulatao in Organized Retail Theft
Prevention Grant Program
[email protected]
07/06/2023
id. 41327182
Original Submission 07/06/2023
The Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention Grant Program Application is divided into five (5) sections as identified below:
Background Information Contact Information Program Information Proposal Narrative and Budget Mandatory Attachments Each section has a series of questions requiring a response. Applicants will be prompted to provide written text, select options from a drop down menu, select options from a multiple choice menu, or upload attachments. Questions with a red asterisk require responses.
Applicants will not be able to submit the application until all questions with a red asterisk have been completed. Applicants may reference the ORT Prevention Grant Program Proposal Instruction Packet for background information, key dates, rating factors, and other important information to aid in the completion of the ORT Prevention Grant Program Application. The ORT Prevention Grant Proposal Instruction Packet is available on the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) website. NOTE: Applicants may start and stop their application but must select "Save Draft" at the bottom of the application before existing.
SECTION I -
BACKGROUND
INFORMATION
This section requests information about the applicant’s name, location, mailing address, and tax identification number.
Name of Applicant
(i.e., Police
Department, Sheriff’s
Department, or
Probation
Department)
Eric Bulatao
Multi-Agency
Partnerships
Information (if
applicable)
Applicants may apply for funding as part of a multi-agency partnership (two [2] or more agencies). The agencies and jurisdictions comprising the collaborative application are not required to be contiguous. One (1) Lead Public Agency must be identified on behalf of the partnership.
Multi-Agency
Partnerships
No: This is not a Multi-Agency Partnership Application
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
23 Packet Pg. 217 of 371
Lead Public Agency
Information
All applicants are required to designate a Lead Public Agency (LPA) to serve as the coordinator for all grant activities. The LPA is a governmental agency with local authority within the applicant's city or county. The applicant may choose to fill the role of LPA itself or it may designate a department, agency, or office under its jurisdiction to serve as the LPA. The role of the LPA is to coordinate with other local government agency partners and non-governmental
organizations to ensure successful implementation of the grant program. The LPA is responsible for data collection and management, invoices, meeting coordination (virtual and/or in- person), and will serve as the primary point of contact with the BSCC.
Lead Public Agency
Palo Alto Police Department
Applicant's Physical
Address
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Applicant's Mailing
Address (if different
than the physical
address)
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Mailing Address for
Payment
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Tax Identification
Number
946000389
SECTION II -
CONTACT
INFORMATION
This section requests contact information for the individuals identified as the Project Director, Financial Officer, Day-to-Day Project Contact, Day-to-Day Fiscal Contact, and the Authorized Signature.
Project Director
Eric
Bulatao
Project Director's
Title with
Agency/Department/Organization
Field Services Supervisor
Project Director's
Physical Address
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
24 Packet Pg. 218 of 371
Project Director's
Email Address
[email protected]
Project Director's
Phone Number
+16503292140
Financial Officer
Eric
Jensen
Financial Officer's
Title with
Agency/Department/Organization
Management Analyst
Financial Officer's
Physical Address
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Financial Officer's
Email Address
[email protected]
Financial Officer's
Phone Number
+16503292346
Day-To-Day Program
Contact
David
Lee
Day-To-Day Program
Contact's Title
Investigation Supervisor
Day-To-Day Program
Contact's Physical
Address
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Day-To-Day Program
Contact's Email
Address
[email protected]
Day-To-Day Program
Contact's Phone
Number
+16503292140
Day-To-Day Fiscal
Contact
Ruth
Carias Aguilar
Day-To-Day Fiscal
Contact's Title
Admin Associate
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
25 Packet Pg. 219 of 371
Day-To-Day Fiscal
Contact's Physical
Address
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Day-To-Day Fiscal
Contact's Email
Address
[email protected]
Day-To-Day Fiscal
Contact's Phone
Number
+16503292597
Name of Authorized
Officer
Andrew
Binder
Authorized Officer's
Title
Chief of Police
Authorized Officer's
Physical Address
275 Forest Ave
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
Authorized Officer's
Email Address
[email protected]
Authorized Officer's
Phone Number
+16503292449
Authorized Officer
Assurances
checked
SECTION III -
PROGRAM
INFORAMTION
This section requests a Project Title, Proposal Summary description, Program Purpose Area(s) selection, and Scope Funding Category selection.
Project Title
Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft and Motor Vehicle Recovery Project Proposal Summary
The proposed project “Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft and Motor Vehicle Recovery Project” will utilize data driven and field tested strategies to deter organized retail and vehicle theft, and also arrest those responsible. The project focuses on two primary components, targeted ORT operations, and technology modernization. The City of Palo Alto is requesting staffing costs for 10 hours a day of targeted ORT operations at key “hot-spot” locations and the installation of Starchase technology on 25 Palo Alto Police Department Patrol Vehicles, as well as minor computer equipment, software and operational costs.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
26 Packet Pg. 220 of 371
PROGRAM
PURPOSE AREAS
Applicants must propose activities, strategies, or programs that address the Program Purpose Areas (PPAs) as defined on pages 5 - 8 in the ORT Prevention Grant Proposal Instruction Packet. A minimum of one (1) PPA must be selected; applicants are not required to address all three (3) PPAs. All proposed activities, strategies, or programs must have a link to the ORT Prevention Grant Program as described in the authorizing legislation and the ORT Prevention Grant Proposal Instruction Packet.
Program Purpose
Areas (PPAs):
PPA 1: Organized Retail Theft
PPA 2: Motor Vehicle or Motor Vehicle Accessory Theft
Funding Category
Information
Applicants may apply for funding in a Medium Scope OR Large Scope Category. The maximum an applicant may apply for is up to $6,125,000 in the Medium Scope category OR up to $15,650,000 in the Large Scope category. Applicants may apply for any dollar amount up to and including the maximum grant amount identified in each category. Multi-agency partnerships (determined as Medium Scope OR Large Scope) may apply for up to the maximum grant award in that category, multiplied by the number of partnering eligible applicants. For Example: Four (4) eligible applicants in the Medium Scope category may submit one (1) application for up to $24,500,000 o
$6,125,000 (Medium Scope Max) x 4 (# of Agencies) = $24,500,000 Two (2) eligible applicants in the Large Scope category may submit one (1) application for up to $31,300,000
o
$15,650,000 (Large Scope
Max x 2 (# of Agencies) = $31,300,000 Please reference pages 10-12 in the ORT Prevention Grant Proposal Instruction Packet for additional information.
Funding Category
Medium Scope (Up to $6,125,000)
SECTION IV -
PROPOSAL
NARRATIVE AND
BUDGET
This section requests responses to the Rating Factors identified in the the ORT Prevention Grant Program Application Instruction Packet.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
27 Packet Pg. 221 of 371
Proposal Narrative
Instructions
The Proposal Narrative must address the Project Need, Project Description, Project Organizational Capacity and Coordination, and Project Evaluation and Monitoring Rating Factors as described in the ORT Prevention Grant Instruction Packet (refer to pages 20-24). A separate narrative response is required for each Rating Factor as described below: The Project Need narrative may not may not exceed 6,711 total characters (includes punctuation, numbers, spacing and any text). In Microsoft Word, this is approximately three (3) pages in Arial 12-point font with one-inch margins on all four (4) sides and at
1.5-line spacing. The Project Description narrative may not may not exceed 11,185 total characters (includes punctuation, numbers, spacing and any text). In Microsoft Word, this is approximately five (5) pages in Arial 12-point font with one-inch margins on all four (4) sides and at 1.5-line spacing. The Project Organizational Capacity and Coordination narrative may not may not exceed 4,474 total characters (includes punctuation, numbers, spacing and any text). In Microsoft Word, this is approximately two (2) pages in Arial 12-point font with one-inch margins on all four (4) sides and at 1.5-line spacing. The Project Evaluation and Monitoring narrative may not may not exceed 4,474 total characters (includes punctuation, numbers, spacing and any text). In Microsoft Word, this is approximately two (2) pages in Arial 12-point font with one-inch margins on all four (4) sides and at 1.5-line spacing. A character counter is automatically enabled that shows the number of characters used and the remaining number of characters before the limit for each response is met. If the character limit is exceeded, a red prompt will appear with the message "You have exceeded the character limit". Applicants will be prohibited from submitting the ORT Prevention Grant Program Application until they comply with the character limit requirements. NOTE: It is up to the applicant to determine how to use the total word limit in addressing each section, however as a guide, the percent of total point value for each section is provided in the ORT Prevention Grant Proposal Instruction Packet (refer to page 15).
Project Need
The City of Palo Alto is located on the Peninsula in Santa Clara County and is bisected by Highway 101, Interstate 280 and El Camino Real (CA State Route 82). With its close proximity to multiple major highways and abundance of retail opportunities, the City of Palo Alto has been a prime target for organized retail crime and theft of vehicles and vehicle parts. The below numbers reflect the value of property loss over the course of the past five years. These losses are directly from cases originating from the Stanford Shopping Center (SSC) and the Palo Alto downtown corridor. The source of this information is based on reported loss to Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) that is extrapolated from the police department’s case management system.
• Stolen property loss 2018 - $886,419
• Stolen property loss 2019 - $1,305,483
• Stolen property loss 2020 - $851.246
• Stolen property loss 2021 - $1,143,656.46
• Stolen property loss 2022 - $1,532,330.99
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
28 Packet Pg. 222 of 371
• Average Yearly Total
= $1,143,827.09
The average yearly total of organized retail theft is $1,143,827 dollars, which has a massive impact in a city with a population of roughly 67,000. The data shows that organized retail theft continues to rise year on year, with the exception of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with stolen property loss reaching an all time high last year of over $1.5M. This data only represents reported losses, many retailers are beginning to stop reporting all losses due to the cost of reporting and filing paperwork, and the numbers continue to climb.
The below numbers reflect the calls for service from the downtown corridor and Stanford Shopping Center (SSC) alone. This information is sourced directly from the police department’s Computer Aid Dispatch (CAD) log that records all information reported to police.
These calls for service reflect the heavy activity and reports to police over a 5-year span.
• 2018 – 1,680 calls for service
• 2019 – 1,697 calls for service
• 2020 – 1,794 calls for service
• 2021 – 1,570 calls for service
• 2022 – 1,960 calls for service
• Average Yearly Total = 1,740
The average yearly total calls for service from the two identified “hot- spot” ORT locations of Downtown Palo Alto and the Stanford Shopping Center (SSC) total 1,740 calls, or nearly 5 calls for services related to organized retail theft a day.
From 2019-2021, the Palo Alto Police Department periodically had an officer assigned to the Stanford Shopping Center and downtown corridor, for the specific purpose of combatting organized retail crime. Based on values of stolen property extrapolated from the department’s case management system, in 2018 there was
$886,419.00 loss in property from downtown and SSC. In 2019, there was $1,305,483.00 loss in stolen property. During most of the months in 2020, Palo Alto PD had an officer assigned to downtown and SSC on a more routine basis. The property loss for 2020 was $851,246.00.
The deployment of officers ended in early 2021, and the property loss was $1,143,656.46. In 2022, the property loss was $1,532,330.99.
Based on the overall value of property loss over the last four years, it is evident there was an increase in the loss of retailers at SSC and downtown due to organized retail crime. Also noted, that there was a 34% reduction in loss from 2019 to the loss in 2020, when officers were permanently assigned to downtown and SSC. Within a year of canceling the detail in 2021, there was a 25% increase in loss. The loss increased again by 25% in 2022, when no assigned officers were present. This is quantitative evidence that having a dedicated officer assigned to the SSC and the downtown corridor can decrease overall loss to retailers.
While considering inflation and price increases, the calls for service were examined over the 5-year period. The most hours officers were deployed at the SSC and downtown was for 5 months in 2021. During that time, there was a 12% decrease in the calls for service/cases at both locations. Further proving the need to have officers permanently deployed at both locations to decrease the reported DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
29 Packet Pg. 223 of 371
thefts and calls to police. This shows the effectiveness of the proposed project and why the bulk of this grant application requests funding for staff time to expand upon this data driven approach.
The Stanford Shopping Center is 1,347,935 square feet and located at the most northern end of the city. The mall is open air and accessible by multiple freeways. The site is incredibly hard to monitor with one officer, and current staffing and calls for service do not allow for the mall to be monitored on a consistent basis. The mall consists of high-end stores that no other mall in the region has, making it a prime target for ORT. It is predicted that with the closure of other malls in the Bay Area, organized retail crime will increase at the Stanford Shopping Center.
In a 4-year review of stolen vehicle investigations by PAPD, less than 50% of vehicles were recovered. Factors that contribute to the low recovery rate include PAPD pursuit policies, that forbid the vehicular pursuit of stolen vehicles, and lack of early detection devices that can identify stolen vehicles (i.e.
Automated License Plate Readers).
In the last year, the Palo Alto Police Department has acquired a patrol vehicle equipped with automated license plate readers cameras, the City of Palo Alto also installed license plate recognition cameras (ALPRs) at various locations in the throughout the City. This technology has allowed PAPD officers to quickly detect stolen vehicles, but there are few tools in place to recover the stolen vehicle while still in the City of Palo Alto’s jurisdiction. This grant project is requesting funding for StarChase technology to be installed on 25 PAPD patrol vehicles, which will allow officers to safely locate a vehicle and deploy a puck from the patrol vehicle to the stolen vehicle. The puck is equipped with GPS tracking and will continue to track the stolen vehicle even if it flees, thus allowing officers a safer way to recover the vehicle for the owner, without putting the public at risk.
There is a significant disparity of stolen vehicles recovered by outside agencies other than Palo Alto PD. The Palo Alto Police Departments estimates that through the installation of StarChase technology in 25 vehicles PAPD can recover roughly 10% more stolen vehicles a year.
Project Description
The proposed project “Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft and Motor Vehicle Recovery Project” will utilize data driven and field tested strategies to deter organized retail and vehicle theft, and also arrest those responsible. The project focuses on two primary components, targeted ORT operations, and technology modernization through StarChase. The City of Palo Alto is requesting $4,732,705 in staffing costs for 10 hours a day of targeted ORT operations at key “hot- spot” locations by teams of 3 sworn officers. The project also includes a request for $350,693 for the installation of StarChase technology on 25 Palo Alto Police Department Patrol Vehicles and the corresponding training and software for the three year grant period.
The proposed project will include quarterly meetings with key PAPD personnel to review the ongoing implementation and success of the targeted ORT operations and if necessary make tweaks to the hours and location of deployment of officers to be reactive to current theft conditions and ensure effectiveness of the project.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
30 Packet Pg. 224 of 371
One of the two “hot-spot” locations that will be the site of targeted ORT operations is the Stanford Shopping Center (SCC). From 2019- 2021, the Palo Alto Police Department periodically had an officer assigned to the Stanford Shopping Center and downtown corridor, for the specific purpose of combatting organized retail crime. Based on values of stolen property extrapolated from the department’s case management system, in 2018 there was $886,419.00 loss in property from downtown and SSC. In 2019, there was $1,305,483.00 loss in stolen property. During most of the months in 2020, Palo Alto PD had an officer assigned to downtown and SSC on a more routine basis. The property loss for 2020 was $851,246.00. The deployment of officers ended in early 2021, and the property loss was $1,143,656.46. In 2022, the property loss was $1,532,330.99. Based on the overall value of property loss over the last four years, it is evident there was an increase in the loss of retailers at SSC and downtown due to organized retail crime. Also noted, that there was a 34% reduction in loss from 2019 to the loss in 2020, when officers were permanently assigned to downtown and SSC. Within a year of canceling the detail in 2021, there was a 25% increase in loss. The loss increased again by 25% in 2022, when no assigned officers were present. This is quantitative evidence that having a dedicated officer assigned to the SSC and the downtown corridor can decrease overall loss to retailers.
While considering inflation and price increases, the calls for service were examined over the 5-year period. The most hours officers were deployed at the SSC and downtown was for 5 months in 2021. During that time, there was a 12% decrease in the calls for service/cases at both locations. Further proving the need to have officers permanently deployed at both locations to decrease the reported thefts and calls to police. This shows the effectiveness of the proposed project and why the bulk of this grant application requests funding for staff time to expand upon this data driven approach.
The SCC is 1,347,935 square feet and located at the most northern end of the city. The mall is open air and accessible by multiple freeways. The site is incredibly hard to monitor with one officer, and current staffing and calls for service do not allow for the mall to be monitored on a consistent basis. The mall consists of high-end stores that no other mall in the region has, making it a prime target for ORT. It is predicted that with the closure of other malls in the Bay Area, organized retail crime will increase at the Stanford Shopping Center.
Given the data resulting from previous PAPD ORT operations, the utilization of three officers projects that ORT can be reduced at increments of 15% per year. The project proposes to have team of 3 sworn officers rotating between the two “hot-spot” locations for 10 hours a day, for the entire three year grant period and for 60 days of November and December 2023. This would total 1,155 days of targeted ORT operations. Counting three officers for 10 hours a day for the 1,155 days it would total roughly 34,650 individual hours of sworn officer time dedicated to ORT operations. During the grant performance period, officers will be a visual deterrent in vehicles and on foot. They will collaborate with retailers, loss prevention, and mall security deterring organized retail crime. They will respond to DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
31 Packet Pg. 225 of 371
suspicious activity, conduct both uniformed and plain clothes operations to apprehend suspects of organized retail theft. Officers assigned to this detail will conduct quarterly meetings that will consist of the dissemination of intelligence bulletins on retail thieves that have occurred both locally and regionally. Collaborative meetings will discuss new and evolving tactics that retail thieves are doing. Training on this information will allow for retailers to better identify theft tactics. In 3 years, the collaboration will allow for retailers and mall security to better act as a deterrent for retail theft that will continue the decrease in thefts.
In a 4-year review of stolen vehicle investigations by PAPD, less than 50% of vehicles were recovered. Factors that contribute to the low recovery rate include PAPD pursuit policies, that forbid the vehicular pursuit of stolen vehicles, and lack of early detection devices that can identify stolen vehicles (i.e.
Automated License Plate Readers).
In the last year, the Palo Alto Police Department has acquired a patrol vehicle equipped with automated license plate readers cameras, the City of Palo Alto also installed license plate recognition cameras (ALPRs) at various locations in the throughout the City. This technology has allowed PAPD officers to quickly detect stolen vehicles, but there are few tools in place to recover the stolen vehicle while still in the City of Palo Alto’s jurisdiction. This grant project is requesting funding for StarChase technology to be installed on 25 PAPD patrol vehicles, which will allow officers to safely locate a vehicle and deploy a puck from the patrol vehicle to the stolen vehicle. The puck is equipped with GPS tracking and will continue to track the stolen vehicle even if it flees, thus allowing officers a safer way to recover the vehicle for the owner, without putting the public at risk.
The below numbers reflect motor vehicle theft investigations by Palo Alto PD. There is a significant disparity of stolen vehicles recovered by outside agencies other than Palo Alto PD. The data covers 2018- 2021. The source of this information is based on police reports that were obtained from the police department’s case management system.
2018
• Recovered by PAPD 36
• Recovered for PAPD 73
Total Stolen Vehicles Recovered: 109
2019
• Recovered by PAPD 35
• Recovered for PAPD 73
Total Stolen Vehicles Recovered: 108
2020
• Recovered by PAPD 43
• Recovered for PAPD 88
Total Stolen Vehicles Recovered: 131
2021
• Recovered by PAPD 27
• Recovered for PAPD 56
Total Stolen Vehicles Recovered: 83
High-risk vehicle events such as pursuits are a constant public safety challenge. StarChase Technology addresses this challenge DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
32 Packet Pg. 226 of 371
with proven tools that reduce risk to life and property. StarChase technology provides law enforcement with the ability to tag, track, and safely apprehend a suspect without the need to engage in a deadly high speed pursuit. StarChase law enforcement partners have proven they gain valuable time to assess, organize, and effect a safe arrest while avoiding the need for deadly pursuit. With over 10,000 tags deployed, lives saved, and millions of dollars in recovered assets, our technology is proving to be a valuable tool towards increased community safety. The Palo Alto Police Departments estimates that through the installation of StarChase technology in 25 vehicles PAPD can recover roughly 10% more stolen vehicles a year.
The proposed project includes training for all PAPD sworn officers in driving and use of the system to ensure the highest rates of success.
The proposed project will also include two additional computer work stations, including monitors and necessary software, to aid in the implementation of the grant project and required
evaluation/reporting.
The City of Palo Alto is committed to covering any ongoing costs associated with the StarChase technology beyond the grant performance period, including by seeking additional grant funding if necessary. Additionally, after the project evaluation is complete and the increased enforcement efforts have shown their value, the City will aim to financially support continued operations as needed.
If the grant request for officer overtime, StarChase technology and software is approved, it is assured that the City, through the Palo Alto Police Department, will be able to reduce instances of organized retail theft and vehicle recovery. This will be completed via ORT operations, increased surveillance, and a known increase in PAPD presence and enforcement. This will deter and prevent instances of organized theft and vehicle theft from occurring in the first place and will also allow for a more thorough investigation when instances do occur.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
33 Packet Pg. 227 of 371
Project
Organizational
Capacity and
Coordination
Both the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Police Department have the capacity to successfully execute this comprehensive project.
PAPD has already obtained quotes for the identified equipment, and will follow the City’s formal bid process to procure the equipment.
Furthermore, all officers involved in the overtime activities (additional retail/vehicle theft enforcement, undercover operations, investigation, etc.) have experience in this field.
Personnel selected to work the retail / vehicle theft grant operations will primarily consist of individuals who are currently detectives or have previous surveillance or theft detection experience. These individuals have training in undercover and mobile surveillance tactics. The Department’s current Property Crime Detectives have strong relationships with loss prevention personnel from many of the retail establishments at the Stanford Shopping Center (SSC) and the Palo Alto downtown corridor. They work with these retail loss prevention officers and store managers on a regular basis to obtain statements, gather evidence, and view store surveillance footage.
Detective personnel also work with these retail establishments to organize security inspections and provide recommendations for theft prevention. These activities will continue but at an increased capacity if funding from the Organized Retail Theft Prevention grant program is received.
Additionally, personnel working this assignment will be managed by an Investigative Lieutenant who has experience with surveillance tactics and theft investigations. The Palo Alto Police Department’s Crime Analyst will work in conjunction with this team to provide current statistics and data on retail, vehicle and vehicle part thefts occurring within the city.
The Crime Analyst will provide timely and
accurate data to help direct resources and identify areas in which surveillance equipment should be deployed.
The day-to-day operation will be overseen by the Investigative Supervisor in conjunction with the on-duty Patrol Supervisor. The Investigative Supervisor or designee will disseminate daily updates on trends, identified suspects/vehicles, and special requests from retailers that are organized retail theft related. The Investigative Supervisor or designee will handle the intake of information from retailers and disseminate it accordingly. Every quarter, the Investigative Supervisor or designee will review the data and ensure the coverage is meeting the needs to be successful.
A department Crime Analyst will export data and provide quarterly reports during the period of the grant. The grant is outside the normal duties of the crime analyst so overtime will have to be used.
Each quarter, it takes approximately 4-hours to review all the reports and associated activities related to the grant.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
34 Packet Pg. 228 of 371
Project Evaluation
and Monitoring
The Palo Alto Police Department will track specific crime rates for the target project areas and compare those to crime rates prior to the implementation of the project. These crime rates will focus on reports of shoplifting, vehicle theft, theft of motor vehicle parts, and robbery.
PAPD already tracks this data and thus will have no difficulty in continuing to do so to ensure that the project is showing success.
The project will utilize data over the performance period of the grant including total stolen property loss and calls for service in the targeted “hot-spot” areas and compare this data from the performance period of the grant to previous years to measure programs effectiveness. It is the intention that with the increased presence of PAPD officers, calls for service relating to shoplifting or theft will decrease over the grant period. Likewise, PAPD will also track how many retail theft or motor vehicle theft investigations are closed during the grant period, and in how many of those involved the targeted daily ORT operations or StarChase systems. Evaluations will also track the number and type of enforcement and “sting” operations in comparison to the number of reports of retail and vehicle thefts. It is the expectation that an increase in operations or other law enforcement presence in certain locations will correlate to a reduction in reported instances of retail theft or motor vehicle theft in those same areas.
Project monitoring and evaluation will also include conversations with retail managers and
property owners to ensure that police
operations are not negatively impacting retail operations. This communication will provide feedback to the police department on how efforts can be improved, and will keep retailers apprised of the department’s efforts to deter retail theft.
As previously mentioned, the PAPD Crime Analyst will collect and analyze the latest retail, vehicle, and vehicle parts theft in the City.
This real-time analysis will help the Department and the City measure the success of the project, and make adjustments or pivot as needed. This will also ensure the Department and the City can easily comply with all of the reporting requirements associated with a grant award.
Budget Instructions
Applicants are required to submit a Proposal Budget and Budget Narrative (Budget Attachment). Upon submission the Budget Attachment will become Section 5: Budget (Budget Tables & Narrative) making up part of the official proposal. The Budget Attachment must be filled out completely and accurately. Applicants are solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information entered in the Proposal Budget and Budget Narrative.
The Proposal Budget must cover the entire grant period. For additional guidance related to grant budgets, refer to the BSCC Grant Administration Guide. The Budget Attachment is provided as a stand-alone document on the BSCC website.
Budget Attachment
Palo_Alto_ORT-Grant-Program-Budget-Attachment-Final.xlsx DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
35 Packet Pg. 229 of 371
SECTION V -
ATTACHMENTS
This section list the attachments that are required at the time of submission, unless otherwise noted. Project Work Plan (Appendix B) - Mandatory Grantee Assurance for Non-Governmental Organizations (Appendix D) - Mandatory Local Impact Letter(s) (Appendix E) - Mandatory Letter(s) of Commitment (Appendix F) - If Applicable Policies Limiting Racial Bias - Refer to page 9 of the Proposal Instruction Packet - Mandatory Policies on Surveillance Technology - Refer to page 9 of the Proposal Instruction Packet - If Applicable Certification of Compliance with BSCC Policies on Debarment, Fraud, Theft, and Embezzlement (Appendix G) - Mandatory Governing Board Resolution (Appendix H) - Optional
Project Work Plan (Appendix B)
Palo_Alto_Project-Work-Plan-ORT.docx
Grantee Assurance for Non-Governmental Organizations (Appendix D)
03._Grantee-Assurance-for-Non-Governmental-Organizations-ORT_Signed.pdf Local Impact Letter(s) (Appendix E)
Letter_of_Intent_-_PAPD_Orgainzed_Retail_Grant_Signed.pdf PAPD_Letter_of_Support.pdf
SSC_Letter_of_Support_PAPD_ORC_Grant.pdf
Letter_of_Support_-_Chamber_of_Commerce.pdf
Letter(s) of
Commitment,
(Appendix F)
n/a
Policies Limiting Racial Bias
PAPD_Bias-Based_Policing.pdf
Policies on Surveillance Technology
PAPD_Public_Safety_Video_Surveillance_System.pdf
Certification of Compliance with BSCC Policies on Debarment, Fraud, Theft, and Embezzlement (Appendix G)
08._Certification-of-Compliance-with-BSCC-Policies-on-Debarment_-Fraud_-Theft_-and- Embezzlement-ORT_PAPD_Signed.pdf
OPTIONAL:
Governing Board
Resolution (Appendix
H)
n/a
OPTIONAL:
Bibliography
n/a
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
36 Packet Pg. 230 of 371
CONFIDENTIALITY
NOTICE:
All documents submitted as a part of the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program proposal are public documents and may be subject to a request pursuant to the California Public Records Act.
The BSCC cannot ensure the confidentiality of any information submitted in or with this proposal. (Gov. Code, § 6250 et seq.) DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
37 Packet Pg. 231 of 371
Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program
Applicants must complete a Project Work Plan. This Project Work Plan identifies measurable goals and objectives, process and outcome measures, activities and services, responsible parties for those activities and services, data sources and estimated timelines. Completed plans should (1) identify the project’s top goals and objectives; (2) identify how the goal(s) will be achieved in terms of the activities, responsible staff/partners, and start and end dates, process and outcome measures; and (3) provide goals and objectives with a clear relationship to the need and intent of the grant. As this grant term is for three (3) years, the Project Work Plan must attempt to identify activities/services and estimate timelines for the entire grant term. A minimum of one goal and corresponding objectives, process measures, etc. must be identified.
Applicants must use the Project Work Plan provided below. You will be prompted to upload this document to the BSCC-Submittable Application.
(1) Goal: > Increase Apprehension of Organized Retail or Vehicle Theft Suspects and Vehicles Objectives (A., B., etc.) A. Enhance the police department's ability to identify suspects and vehicles through the use of StarChase technology;
B. Utilize targeted organized retail theft and vehicle theft operations at hot -spot locations to deter theft or increase the likelihood of immediate apprehension of suspects engaged in organized retail theft or vehicle theft;
Process Measures and
Outcome Measures:
Palo Alto PD will be able to measure success of this goal by tracking the number of reported instances of organized retail or vehicle theft in the City as well as the number of suspects apprehended/cases closed and vehicles recovered and compare that with data prior to the start of the grant performance period.
Project activities that support the identified goal and objectives: Responsible staff/partners Timeline Start Date End Date
• Install StarChase to aid officers in the apprehension of organized retail theft or vehicle theft suspects.
• Conduct daily targeted organized retail theft and vehicle theft operations.
Palo Alto Police Department
November 1, 2023 December 31, 2026
Appendix B: Project Work Plan
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214 Standard
Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
38 Packet Pg. 232 of 371
Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program
List data and sources to be used to measure outcomes: PAPD will track the success rate of closed investigations, total losses from stolen property, vehicles recovered as well as the number of cases in which evidence or information from operations and StarChase was utilized.
(2) Goal: Reduce Instances of Calls for Service and Reported Organized Retail Theft and Vehicle Theft in the City Objectives (A., B., etc.) A. Utilize targeted organized retail theft and vehicle theft operations at hot -spot locations to deter theft or increase the likelihood of immediate apprehension of suspects engaged in organized retail theft or vehicle theft; B. Work with the City of Palo Alto and other potential partners to engage in a public information campaign to publicize the grant award and subsequent law enforcement activities aimed at reducing instances of r eported organized retail theft and vehicle theft in Palo Alto;
Process Measures and
Outcome Measures:
Palo Alto PD will be able to measure success of this goal by tracking the number of calls for service regarding instances of organized retail or vehicle theft in the City and compare that with data prior to the start of the grant performance period.
Project activities that support the identified goal and objectives: Responsible staff/partners Timeline Start Date End Date
• Conduct daily targeted organized retail theft and vehicle theft operations.
• Issue press releases, work with local media outlets and utilize social media to engage in a public information
campaign to publicize the grant award and subsequent law enforcement activities aimed at reducing instances of
reported organized retail theft and vehicle theft in Palo Alto.
Palo Alto Police Department
November 1, 2023 December 31, 2026
List data and sources to be used to measure outcomes: PAPD will track the number of calls for service for suspected and actual retail and motor vehicle theft to ensure that the number of calls is decreasing and the project is successful. PA PD will also monitor social media and other outlets that suspects use for planning and communication regarding ORT to see if the public information campaign is having an impact on potential theft.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214 Standard
Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
39 Packet Pg. 233 of 371
Total
$4,732,705.00
$4,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$79,414.00
$329,515.00
$5,885.00
$25,293.00
$0.00
$5,176,812.00
Total
$4,732,705.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$4,732,705.00
Total
$2,600.00
$1,200.00
$200.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$4,000.00
TOTAL
1b. Salaries & Benefits Narrative:
o TOP STEP OFFICER OT = $124.95
o TOP STEP AGENT OT = $134.98
o TOP STEP SERGEANT OT = $143.79
o NIGHT DIFFERENTIAL 5% 6PM – 8AM
o AVERAGE OT(Ofc/Agt/Sgt) = $134.57 X 7 hours Day = $941.99* 134.57 x 5% (night differential) =141.29 x 3 hours Night = $423.87 423.87 (night pay OT) + 941.99 (day pay OT) = $1365.86
*Effective July 2024 with pay raise.
o $1,365.86 X 3 Officers = $4,097.58 (Daily costs)
o 1,155 (Days of service for 3-year period) x 4,097.58 = $4,732,704.90 = COST FOR STAFFING 3 OFFICERS ON OT FOR 10 HOURS A DAY PER OFFICER, FOR 3 YEARS (24’,25’,26’) AND 60 DAYS Computer Workstation
Computer Monitor
1. Salaries & Benefits
4. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Subcontracts
6. Equipment/Fixed Assets
7. Financial Audit (Up to $25,000)
8. Other (Travel, Training, etc.)
1a. Salaries & Benefits
Description of Salaries & Benefits (% FTE or Hourly Rate) & Benefits 3 Officers for Targeted ORT Operations Included in Salary & Benefit Narrative Below
2. Services and Supplies
3. Professional Services or Public Agencies
5. Data Collection and Evaluation
9. Indirect Costs
Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program - Project Budget and Budget Narrative 44-Month Budget: October 1, 2023 to June 1, 2027
City of Palo Alto Police Department
2a. Services and Supplies
Name of Applicant:
(i.e., County Sheriff's Office, County Probation Department, or City Police Department) Office Supplies Printer Ink, Paper, Etc.
Budget Line Item
Note: Rows 7-16 will auto-populate based on the information entered in the budget line items (Salaries and Benefits, Services and Supplies, etc.) Office Supplies
TOTAL
Description of Services or Supplies Calculation for Expenditure $1,300 Workstation x 2
Set up substation with capabilities to access case management system, write reports, and research information. The location is already set, but no computers are in place. By allowing the two workstations, officers assigned to this detail can remain in the field while conducting computer searches for investigative follow up. The Technical Services Division Director in conjunction with I.T. estimated the cost for two computer workstations below:
Workstation: $2,600 ($1,300 each)
Monitor: $1200 ($300 each)
TOTAL
$300 Computer Monitor x 4
2b. Services and Supplies Narrative:
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
40 Packet Pg. 234 of 371
Description of Professional Service(s) Total
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
3b. Professional Services Narrative
Total
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
Total
$4,414.00
$75,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$79,414.00
Description of Equipment/Fixed Assets
Total
5b. Data Collection and Evaluation Narrative
A PAPD department Crime Analyst will export data and provide quarterly reports during the period of the grant. The grant is outside the normal duties of the crime analyst so overtime will have to be used.
Each quarter, it takes approximately 4-hours to review all the reports and associated activities related to the grant. As required by the grant guidelines $75,000 has been set aside for the development of an evaluation plan due by April 2024. In the event that not all $75,000 is required to develop this plan, PAPD will either return funding or increase the scope of the grant through additional staff time for operations.
4a. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Subcontracts
Calculation for Expense
N/A
TOTALS
Crime Analyst Quarterly Reporting $367.84 (4 hours of OT) per quarter x 12 (3 years of reports) = $4,414.08 Development of Evaluation Plan and Reporting One Time Required $75,000 Set Aside 5a. Data Collection and Evaluation
Calculation for Expense
TOTALS
4b. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Subcontracts Narrative N/A
Description of Non-Governmental Organization
(NGO) Subcontracts
Description of Data Collection and Evaluation
3a. Professional Services
TOTAL
N/A
N/A
6a. Equipment/Fixed Assets
Calculation for Expense
Calculation for Expenditure
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
41 Packet Pg. 235 of 371
$329,515.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$329,515.00Total
$5,885.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$5,885.00
Total
$15,293.00
$10,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$25,293.00
TOTAL
7b. Financial Audit) Narrative:
The City of Palo contracts with internal financial auditors that will review all use of funds during the grant program. PAPD will make available all documentation/receipts/invoices to the auditor(s). An agreement with this office of is already used/retained by the City of Palo Alto. 9a. Indirect Costs
8b. Other (Travel, Training, etc.) Narrative:
TRAINING
3 Driving Instructors at 10 hours Overtime = $4097.58 THREE 10-hours sessions to train the entire department = $12,292.74 Equipment / Room rentals = $3000
• TOTAL $15,292.74
TOTAL
7a.Financial Audit
Description Calculation for Expense
Financial Audit Financial Audit Cost
Quarterly Internal Training Costs for Room Rentals, Projectors, Flyers, Food, Unforseen Equipment Costs for Three Years 8a.Other (Travel, Training, etc.)
Description Calculation for Expense
Starchase Training 3 Driving Instructors at 10 hours Overtime = $4097.58, THREE 10-hours sessions to train the entire department = $12,292.74, Room rentals = $3000
Starchase Equipment
TOTALS
6b. Equipment/Fixed Assets Narrative
High-risk vehicle events such as pursuits are a constant public safety challenge. StarChase Technology addresses this challenge with proven tools that reduce risk to life and property. Our technology provides law enforcement with the ability to tag, track, and safely apprehend a suspect without the need to engage in a deadly high speed pursuit.
StarChase law enforcement partners have proven they gain valuable time to assess, organize, and effect a safe arrest while avoiding the need for deadly pursuit. With over 10,000 tags deployed, lives saved, and millions of dollars in recovered assets, our technology is proving to be a valuable tool towards increased community safety.
Starchase Equipment, 3-year warranty, taxes, installation - $13,180.60 per vehicle x 25 vehicles DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
42 Packet Pg. 236 of 371
Grant Funds Total
$0 $0
$0
$0 $0
$0
TOTAL $0 $0
9b. Indirect Costs Narrative:
Enter narrative here. You may expand cell height if needed. If using a federally approved indirect cost rate, please include the rate in the narrative.
Please see instructions tab for additional information regarding Indirect Costs. If the amount exceeds the maximum allowed and/or turns red , please adjust it to not exceed the line-item noted.
For this grant program, indirect costs may be charged using only one of the two options below:
1) Indirect costs not to exceed 10 percent (10%) of the total grant award. Applicable if the organization does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate.
If using Option 1) grant funds allocated to Indirect Costs may not exceed:
2) Indirect costs not to exceed 20 percent (20%) of the total grant award. Applicable if the organization has a federally approved indirect cost rate. Amount claimed may not exceed the organization's federally approved indirect cost rate.
If using Option 2) grant funds allocated to Indirect Costs may not exceed:
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
43 Packet Pg. 237 of 371
PALO ALTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
275 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650.329.2406
CITY OF PALO ALTO | 250 HAMILTON AVENUE, PALO ALTO, CA. 94301 | 650-329-2100 June 29, 2023
Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)
Organized Retail Theft Prevention Program
2590 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
Re: City of Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention Grant: Letter of Intent
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of the City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Police Department regarding the City of Palo Alto’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention grant application to help eliminate organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft to protect our community members and businesses.
If funded, the project would mitigate these issues by:
• Installation of new video surveillance technology and software • Installation of Starchase technology and equipment
• Increased staff time for retail and auto theft operations As the Lead Public Agency for this application, we have determined that the proposed project will not impact any other agency. The project will take place entirely on public property within the Lead Public Agency’s jurisdiction.
Sincerely,
Eric Bulatao
Sergeant – Field Services Division
Palo Alto Police Department
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
44 Packet Pg. 238 of 371
June 27, 2023
Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)
Organized Retail Theft Prevention Program
2590 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
Re: City of Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant: Letter of Support
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce in support of the City of Palo Alto’s Organized Retail Theft Prevention grant applicatio n to help eliminate organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft to protect our community members and businesses.
The City of Palo Alto and surrounding areas have experienced an uptick in organized retail theft over the past several years , and auto theft remains an ongoing challenge . In order to increase the Palo Alto Police Department’s (PAPD) ability to meet these challenges, we strongly support their grant application for necessary equipment to provide real -time information to their officers, as well as funding for expanded retail and auto theft operations . These resources will bolster PAPD’s ability to respond to instances of organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft and to coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions for the betterment of the overall region.
If funded, the project would mitigate these issues by:
• Installation of Starchase technology and equipment in PAPD vehicles • Increased staff time for retail and auto theft operations We look forward to the opportunity that this grant award would provide to protect our community members and businesses.
Sincerely,
Charlie Weidanz
President / CEO
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
45 Packet Pg. 239 of 371
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
46 Packet Pg. 240 of 371
June 28, 2023
Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)
Organized Retail Theft Prevention Program
2590 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
Re: City of Palo Alto Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant: Letter of Support
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of Stanford Shopping Center in support of the City of Palo Alto’s Organized Retail Theft Prevention grant application to help eliminate organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft to protect our community members and businesses.
The City of Palo Alto and surrounding areas have experienced an uptick in organized retail theft over the past several years, and auto theft remains an ongoing challenge. In order to increase the Palo Alto Police Department’s (PAPD) ability to meet these challenges, we strongly support their grant application for necessary equipment to provide real -time information to their officers, as well as funding for expanded retail and auto theft operations. These resources will bolster PAPD’s ability to respond to instances of organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft and to coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions for the betterment of the overall region.
If funded, the project would mitigate these issues by:
• Installation of Starchase technology and equipment in PAPD vehicles • Increased staff time for retail and auto theft operations We look forward to the opportunity that this grant award would provide to protect our community members and businesses.
Sincerely,
Angie Pyszczynski
General Manager
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
47 Packet Pg. 241 of 371
Policy
402
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Bias-Based Policing - 1
Bias-Based Policing
402.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance to [department/office] members that affirms the Palo Alto Police Department's commitment to policing that is fair and objective.
Nothing in this policy prohibits the use of specified characteristics in law enforcement activities designed to strengthen the [department/office]'s relationship with its diverse communities (e.g., cultural and ethnicity awareness training, youth programs, community group outreach, partnerships).
402.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Bias-based policing - An inappropriate reliance on actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, age, cultural group, disability, or affiliation with any non-criminal group (protected characteristics) as the basis for providing differing law enforcement service or enforcement (Penal Code § 13519.4).
402.2 POLICY
The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to providing law enforcement services to the community with due regard for the racial, cultural or other differences of those served. It is the policy of this [department/office] to provide law enforcement services and to enforce the law equally, fairly, objectively and without discrimination toward any individual or group. 402.3 BIAS-BASED POLICING PROHIBITED
Bias-based policing is strictly prohibited.
However, nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit an officer from considering protected characteristics in combination with credible, timely and distinct information connecting a person or people of a specific characteristic to a specific unlawful incident, or to specific unlawful incidents, specific criminal patterns or specific schemes.
402.3.1 CALIFORNIA RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ACT
Members shall not collect information from a person based on religious belief, practice, affiliation, national origin or ethnicity unless permitted under state or federal law (Government Code § 8310.3).
Members shall not assist federal government authorities (Government Code § 8310.3):
(a) In compiling personal information about a person’s religious belief, practice, affiliation, national origin or ethnicity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
48 Packet Pg. 242 of 371
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Bias-Based Policing
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Bias-Based Policing - 2
(b) By investigating, enforcing or assisting with the investigation or enforcement of any requirement that a person register with the federal government based on religious belief, practice, or affiliation, or national origin or ethnicity. 402.4 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Every member of this [department/office] shall perform his/her duties in a fair and objective manner and is responsible for promptly reporting any suspected or known instances of bias-based policing to a supervisor. Members should, when reasonable to do so, intervene to prevent any biased- based actions by another member.
402.4.1 REASON FOR CONTACT
Officers contacting a person shall be prepared to articulate sufficient reason for the contact, independent of the protected characteristics of the individual.
To the extent that written documentation would otherwise be completed (e.g., arrest report, field interview (FI) card), the involved officer should include those facts giving rise to the contact, as applicable.
Except for required data-collection forms or methods, nothing in this policy shall require any officer to document a contact that would not otherwise require reporting. 402.5 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors should monitor those individuals under their command for compliance with this policy and shall handle any alleged or observed violations in accordance with the Personnel Complaints Policy.
(a) Supervisors should discuss any issues with the involved officer and his/her supervisor in a timely manner.
1. Supervisors should document these discussions, in the prescribed manner. (b) Supervisors should refer to Policy 446, Field-Based Video Policy, for the conditions of reviewing associated body-worn camera and MAV video for biased-based complaint allegations.
(c) Supervisors shall initiate investigations of any actual or alleged violations of this policy. (d) Supervisors should take prompt and reasonable steps to address any retaliatory action taken against any member of this [department/office] who discloses information concerning bias-based policing.
402.6 TRAINING
Training on fair and objective policing and review of this policy should be conducted as directed by the Personnel and Training Unit.
(a) All sworn members of this [department/office] will be scheduled to attend Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-approved training on the subject of bias-based policing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
49 Packet Pg. 243 of 371
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Bias-Based Policing
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Bias-Based Policing - 3
(b) Pending participation in such POST-approved training and at all times, all members of this [department/office] are encouraged to familiarize themselves with and consider racial and cultural differences among members of this community. (c) Each sworn member of this [department/office] who received initial bias-based policing training will thereafter be required to complete an approved refresher course every five years, or sooner if deemed necessary, in order to keep current with changing racial, identity and cultural trends (Penal Code § 13519.4(i)). 402.7 REPORTING TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Internal Affairs Unit Manager shall ensure that all data required by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding complaints of racial bias against officers is collected and provided to the Records Manager for required reporting to the DOJ (Penal Code § 13012; Penal Code § 13020). See the Technical Services Division Policy.
Supervisors should ensure that data stop reports are provided to the Records Manager for required annual reporting to the DOJ (Government Code § 12525.5) (See Records Bureau Policy). 402.8 RACIAL IDENTITY PROFILING ACT (RIPA)
Beginning October 1, 2021, sworn department members shall collect and report data for all individuals detained or searched during a call for service or self-initiated activity, in accordance with the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (Government Code § 12525.5). When multiple officers conduct a stop, the officer with the highest level of engagement with the person shall collect the data elements and prepare the report. If multiple agencies are involved in a stop and the Palo Alto Police Department is the primary agency, the Palo Alto Police Officer shall collect the data elements and prepare the stop data report.
This data shall be collected through the department’s selected application that can be found on department-issued electronic equipment and should be submitted upon completion of the activity and unless prior approved, before the end of shift.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that shift officers complete their stop data records. Supervisors shall review and ensure that personal identifying information is not included in the RIPA information before approval. Approval of RIPA data shall be completed in most cases before the end of the shift.
402.8.1 REPORTING TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE The Custodian of Records or his/her designee shall ensure that all data required by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding complaints of racial bias against officers is collected and provided to the DOJ as required for reporting (Penal Code § 13012; Penal Code §13020). 402.9 POLICY UPDATES
Updated: 9-7-21
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
50 Packet Pg. 244 of 371
Policy
378
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Public Safety Video Surveillance System - 1
Public Safety Video Surveillance System
378.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance for the placement and monitoring of [department/office] public safety video surveillance, as well as the storage and release of the captured images.
This policy only applies to overt, marked public safety video surveillance systems operated by the [Department/Office]. It does not apply to mobile audio/video systems, covert audio/video systems or any other image-capturing devices used by the [Department/Office]. 378.2 POLICY
The Palo Alto Police Department operates a public safety video surveillance system to complement its anti-crime strategy, to effectively allocate and deploy personnel, and to enhance public safety and security in public areas. Cameras may be placed in strategic locations throughout the City to detect and deter crime, to help safeguard against potential threats to the public, to help manage emergency response situations during natural and man-made disasters and to assist City officials in providing services to the community.
Video surveillance in public areas will be conducted in a legal and ethical manner while recognizing and protecting constitutional standards of privacy.
378.3 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Only [department/office]-approved video surveillance equipment shall be utilized. Members authorized to monitor video surveillance equipment should only monitor public areas and public activities where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists. The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall approve all proposed locations for the use of video surveillance technology and should consult with and be guided by legal counsel as necessary in making such determinations. 378.3.1 PLACEMENT AND MONITORING
Camera placement will be guided by the underlying purpose or strategy associated with the overall video surveillance plan. As appropriate, the Chief of Police should confer with other affected City divisions and designated community groups when evaluating camera placement. Environmental factors, including lighting, location of buildings, presence of vegetation, or other obstructions, should also be evaluated when determining placement.
The cameras shall only record video images and not sound. Recorded images may be used for a variety of purposes, including criminal investigations and monitoring of activity around high- value or high-threat areas. The public video surveillance system may be useful for the following purposes:
(a) To prevent, deter, and identify criminal activity.
(b) To target identified areas of gang and narcotics complaints or activity. (c) To respond to critical incidents.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
51 Packet Pg. 245 of 371
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Public Safety Video Surveillance System
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Public Safety Video Surveillance System - 2
(d) To assist in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting offenders. (e) To document officer and offender conduct during interactions to safeguard the rights of the public and officers.
(f) To augment resources in a cost-effective manner.
(g) To monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic activity.
Images from each camera should be recorded in a manner consistent with the underlying purpose of the particular camera. Images should be transmitted to monitors installed in the Watch Commander’s office and the Communications Center. When activity warranting further investigation is reported or detected at any camera location, the available information should be provided to responding officers in a timely manner. The Watch Commander or trained personnel in the Communications Center are authorized to adjust the cameras to more effectively view a particular area for any legitimate public safety purpose.
The Chief of Police may authorize video feeds from the public safety video surveillance system to be forwarded to a specified location for monitoring by other than police personnel, such as allied government agencies, road or traffic crews, or fire or emergency operations personnel.
Unauthorized recording, viewing, reproduction, dissemination, or retention is prohibited. 378.3.2 CAMERA MARKINGS
All public areas monitored by public safety surveillance equipment shall be marked in a conspicuous manner with appropriate signs to inform the public that the area is under police surveillance. Signs should be well lit, placed appropriately and without obstruction to ensure visibility.
378.3.3 INTEGRATION WITH OTHER TECHNOLOGY
The [Department/Office] may elect to integrate its public safety video surveillance system with other technology to enhance available information. Systems such as gunshot detection, incident mapping, crime analysis, license plate recognition, facial recognition and other video-based analytical systems may be considered based upon availability and the nature of [department/ office] strategy.
The [Department/Office] should evaluate the availability and propriety of networking or otherwise collaborating with appropriate private sector entities and should evaluate whether the use of certain camera systems, such as pan-tilt-zoom systems and video enhancement or other analytical technology, requires additional safeguards.
378.4 VIDEO SUPERVISION
Supervisors should monitor video surveillance access and usage to ensure members are within [department/office] policy and applicable laws. Supervisors should ensure such use and access is appropriately documented.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
52 Packet Pg. 246 of 371
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Public Safety Video Surveillance System
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Public Safety Video Surveillance System - 3
378.4.1 PROHIBITED ACTIVITY
Public safety video surveillance systems will not intentionally be used to invade the privacy of individuals or observe areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
Public safety video surveillance equipment shall not be used in an unequal or discriminatory manner and shall not target individuals or groups based solely on actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, age, cultural group, or disability.
Video surveillance equipment shall not be used to harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any individual or group.
378.5 STORAGE AND RETENTION OF MEDIA
All downloaded media shall be stored in a secure area with access restricted to authorized persons. A recording needed as evidence shall be copied to a suitable medium and booked into evidence in accordance with established evidence procedures. All actions taken with respect to retention of media shall be appropriately documented.
The type of video surveillance technology employed and the manner in which recordings are used and stored will affect retention periods. The recordings should be stored and retained in accordance with the established records retention schedule and for a minimum of one year. Prior to destruction, written consent shall be obtained from the City Attorney. If recordings are evidence in any claim filed or any pending litigation, they shall be preserved until pending litigation is resolved (Government Code § 34090.6).
Any recordings needed as evidence in a criminal or civil proceeding shall be copied to a suitable medium and booked into evidence in accordance with current evidence procedures. 378.5.1 EVIDENTIARY INTEGRITY
All downloaded and retained media shall be treated in the same manner as other evidence.
Media shall be accessed, maintained, stored and retrieved in a manner that ensures its integrity as evidence, including strict adherence to chain of custody requirements. Electronic trails, including encryption, digital masking of innocent or uninvolved individuals to preserve anonymity, authenticity certificates and date and time stamping, shall be used as appropriate to preserve individual rights and to ensure the authenticity and maintenance of a secure evidentiary chain of custody.
378.6 RELEASE OF VIDEO IMAGES
All recorded video images gathered by the public safety video surveillance equipment are for the official use of the Palo Alto Police Department.
Requests for recorded video images from the public or the media shall be processed in the same manner as requests for [department/office] public records.
Requests for recorded images from other law enforcement agencies shall be referred to the Watch Commander for release in accordance with a specific and legitimate law enforcement purpose.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
53 Packet Pg. 247 of 371
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Public Safety Video Surveillance System
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/06/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Public Safety Video Surveillance System - 4
Recorded video images that are the subject of a court order or subpoena shall be processed in accordance with the established [department/office] subpoena process. 378.7 TRAINING
All [department/office] members authorized to operate or access public video surveillance systems shall receive appropriate training. Training should include guidance on the use of cameras, interaction with dispatch and patrol operations and a review regarding relevant policies and procedures, including this policy. Training should also address state and federal law related to the use of video surveillance equipment and privacy.
378.8 POLICY ISSUE DATE
Updated 1-25-19
DocuSign Envelope ID: C64DECB1-BFB9-4140-936E-2AAD0EF1FEBB Item 4
Attachment A - STD 214
Standard Agreement
Item 4: Staff Report
Pg.
54 Packet Pg. 248 of 371
Palo Alto PD
BSCC 1164-23