Agenda packet — Palo Alto City Council, August 19, 2024 (part 1 of 3)

CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Monday, August 19, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org
.

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.

PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.

Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.

TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.

CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (5:30 ‐ 6:00 PM)
Members of the public may speak in‐person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1‐3 minutes depending on # of speakers.

Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:00 ‐ 6:05 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).

STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:05 ‐ 7:05 PM, Item 2: 7:05 ‐ 8:05 PM) Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to Study Session Agenda Item Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

2. Report from the Human Relations Commission Resulting from the ’Voices of our Community’ Listening Sessions on Local Experiences of Islamophobia/Anti‐Arab Hate and Anti‐Semitism. CEQA status ‐ not a project. Supplemental Report added CONSENT CALENDAR (8:05 ‐ 8:10 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.

3. Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

4. Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

5. Recommend City Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long‐term Plan (GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, Amending the FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget Appropriation, and Amending Rate Schedules G‐1 (Residential Gas Service), G‐2 (Residential Master‐ Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G‐3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G‐10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); CEQA Status: Not a Project Under Public Resources Code 15378(b)(5) and Exempt Under Public Resources Code 15273(a)

6. CONSENT: Addition of Five Properties to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory Based on Owner Interest. CEQA Status: Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, the Historic Designation of Properties is not a Project Subject to Environmental Review.

7. Approval of a Lease Amendment Between Palo Alto Players and the City of Palo Alto for the Premises at the Lucie Stern Community Center Located at 1305 Middlefield Road for an Approximate 36‐month Term, at a starting Base Rent of $1,540.75 per Month and Increasing 3% Annually; CEQA Status – Not a Project

8. Approval of FY 2025 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Workplans

9. Approval of Amendment Number 3 to Contract Number C18169712 with OB Sports Golf Management (Baylands), LLC in the Amount of $10,107,560 and Extend the Contract Term by Two Years and Nine Months for Management of Golf Course Operations at the Baylands Golf Links; Approval of Amendment Number 3 to Contract Number C18171872 with OB Sports Golf Management (Baylands), LLC to Extend the Contract Term by Two Years and Nine Months for a Real Estate License for the Restaurant to Provide Food and Beverage Services; and Approval of an Amendment to Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Appropriation in the General Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt

10. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto and the County of Santa Clara (Contract No. 1557819) at 2000 Geng Road for Safe Parking to Expand the Premises of the Lease and Increase by 10 the Number of Safe Parking Spaces Permitted; CEQA – Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) Supplemental Report added

11. Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.22 to align Human Relations Commission procedures with previous Council action.

12. Approval of a Grant Agreement With the California Highway Patrol for a One‐Year Program to Reduce Impaired Driving and Crashes with $307,000 in State Funds, Requiring $0 in City Matching Funds; and Approval of a FY 2025 Budget Amendment (Requires 2/3 approval) in the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund; CEQA Status – Not a Project
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:10 ‐ 8:25 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (8:40 ‐ 10:10 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.

13. Approval of Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan Document for a Previously Approved Redevelopment Project Located at 1310 Bryant Street.

Environmental Analysis: The City Council Previously Certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this Project.

ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.

14. Investment Activity Report for the Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024

15. 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q2 Report

16. Informational Report on City Hall Operations
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee August 20, 2024
Finance Committee August 20, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee August 21, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
SUPPLEMENTAL / AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS

2. Supplemental Report: Report from the Human Relations Commission Resulting from the ’Voices of our Community’ Listening Sessions on Local Experiences of Islamophobia/Anti‐ Arab Hate and Anti‐Semitism. CEQA status ‐ not a project.

10. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto and the County of Santa Clara (Contract No. 1557819) at 2000 Geng Road for Safe Parking to Expand the Premises of the Lease and Increase by 10 the Number of Safe Parking Spaces Permitted; CEQA – Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].

2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.

3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.

You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.

You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.

When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.

4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.

California Government Code §84308
, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments.
1 August 19, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.

Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:00 ‐ 6:05 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).

STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:05 ‐ 7:05 PM, Item 2: 7:05 ‐ 8:05 PM) Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to Study Session Agenda Item Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

3. Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

4. Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

8. Approval of FY 2025 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Workplans

11. Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.22 to align Human Relations Commission procedures with previous Council action.

13. Approval of Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan Document for a Previously Approved Redevelopment Project Located at 1310 Bryant Street.

Environmental Analysis: The City Council Previously Certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this Project.

ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.

14. Investment Activity Report for the Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024

15. 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q2 Report

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].

2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.

You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.

When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.

California Government Code §84308 , commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments.

2 August 19, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.

Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:00 ‐ 6:05 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).

STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:05 ‐ 7:05 PM, Item 2: 7:05 ‐ 8:05 PM) Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to Study Session Agenda Item Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

3. Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

4. Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

8. Approval of FY 2025 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Workplans

11. Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.22 to align Human Relations Commission procedures with previous Council action.

13. Approval of Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan Document for a Previously Approved Redevelopment Project Located at 1310 Bryant Street.

Environmental Analysis: The City Council Previously Certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this Project.

ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.

14. Investment Activity Report for the Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024

15. 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q2 Report

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].

2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.

You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.

When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.

California Government Code §84308 , commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments.

3 August 19, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.

Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:00 ‐ 6:05 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).

STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:05 ‐ 7:05 PM, Item 2: 7:05 ‐ 8:05 PM) Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to Study Session Agenda Item Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

3. Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

4. Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

8. Approval of FY 2025 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Workplans

11. Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.22 to align Human Relations Commission procedures with previous Council action.

13. Approval of Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan Document for a Previously Approved Redevelopment Project Located at 1310 Bryant Street.

Environmental Analysis: The City Council Previously Certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this Project.

ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.

14. Investment Activity Report for the Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024

15. 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q2 Report

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].

2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.

You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.

When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.

California Government Code §84308 , commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments.

4 August 19, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.

Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:00 ‐ 6:05 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).

STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:05 ‐ 7:05 PM, Item 2: 7:05 ‐ 8:05 PM) Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to Study Session Agenda Item Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

3. Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

4. Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

8. Approval of FY 2025 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Workplans

11. Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.22 to align Human Relations Commission procedures with previous Council action.

13. Approval of Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan Document for a Previously Approved Redevelopment Project Located at 1310 Bryant Street.

Environmental Analysis: The City Council Previously Certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this Project.

ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.

14. Investment Activity Report for the Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024

15. 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q2 Report

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].

2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.

You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.

When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.

California Government Code §84308 , commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments.

5 August 19, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.

Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.

COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:00 ‐ 6:05 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).

STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:05 ‐ 7:05 PM, Item 2: 7:05 ‐ 8:05 PM) Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to Study Session Agenda Item Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

3. Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

4. Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

8. Approval of FY 2025 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission Workplans

11. Staff recommends the Council adopt the attached ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.22 to align Human Relations Commission procedures with previous Council action.

13. Approval of Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan Document for a Previously Approved Redevelopment Project Located at 1310 Bryant Street.

Environmental Analysis: The City Council Previously Certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this Project.

ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.

14. Investment Activity Report for the Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2024

15. 2024 Council Priorities and Objectives Q2 Report

1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].

2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.

You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.

When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.

California Government Code §84308 , commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments.

6 August 19, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.

City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Community Services
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Report #:2408-3348
TITLE
Study Session: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; CEQA status – not a project

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council receive a report from the Human Relations Commission on the results of their research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

This is a Study Session, therefore there will be no recommended actions; however, the Commission will be requesting Council feedback on the Commission’s possible next steps.

BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) has prepared a report on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (Attachment A). This research is in response to input by the Council and Policy and Services Committee, as well as the HRC’s ongoing work on Inclusion and Belonging, including exploring and implementing avenues to decrease hate crimes/hate based incidences in the community. A summary of this work is described below. •Council Meeting - January 19, 2021. The HRC presented a report to Council titled “Black & Brown Lives – History and Current Experience.” 1 Stemming from this report, the HRC committed to completing a project to partner with community leaders to lead up to 100 small group community conversations on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, followed by a presentation of findings to Council and the community. That effort was completed in 2021.
1 City Council, January 19, 2021; Agenda Item 3; SR #11911, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports- cmrs/year-archive/2021/id-11911.pdf
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•Council Meeting – January 24, 2022. The HRC presented their report on “100 Community Conversations on Race and the Lived Experience in Palo Alto.” 2 There was low participation from Asian Americans and Council members felt that it was a “missed opportunity” to hear from this community. It was recommended, though no formal Council action was taken, that the HRC explore the lived experience of Asian Americans, including hate crimes/hate incidences. 3
•Policy & Services Committee - February 8, 2022. During an update on the City’s Race & Equity work,4 there was a motion passed5 to “Request the Human Relations Commission research the lived experience of Asian American and Pacific Islanders and suggest related workplan items as desired.”
•HRC Hosted Meeting with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - September 21, 2022 FBI members met with representatives of the HRC and City staff to share recent hate crime statistics.

Thereafter, in the spring of 2022, an Adhoc subcommittee (subcommittee) of the HRC began work on a report on the Lived Experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islanders. In keeping with the naming of the annual heritage month celebrated each year in May, the scope of the report was changed by staff to include Native Hawaiians.

The subcommittee created and distributed a survey6 and targeted outreach was done in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community to anyone who lived, worked, worshipped, or went to school in Palo Alto. The survey was translated into Traditional and Simplified Chinese. The survey was open to the public in Spring/early Summer of 2023 and 100 responses were submitted. The subcommittee analyzed the survey results, as well as demographics collected from the American Communities Survey and they presented their initial results to the HRC on October 12, 2023,7 at which time members of the AANHPI community were also invited to share their experiences in Palo Alto. The subcommittee became aware that results of the City’s Annual Community Survey would be available in late Fall of 2023 and requested to receive the responses from the AANHPI community to 2 City Council, January 24, 2022; Agenda Item 1; SR #13841, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=29235&repo=r-704298fc 3 City Council, January 24, 2022; Summary Minutes; Agenda Item 1, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=30268&repo=r-704298fc 4 Policy and Services Committee, February 8, 2022; Agenda Item 1; SR #13997, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=727&repo=r-704298fc 5 Policy and Services Committee, February 8, 2022; Summary Minutes; Agenda Item 1, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=28197&repo=r-704298fc 6 Human Relations Commission Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI0 Lived Experience Survey; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/5/community-services/human-relations- commission/aanhpi-survey/hrc-aanhpi-survey.pdf
7 Human Relations Commission, October 12, 2023; Agenda Item 2; Attachment 1, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/community-services/human-relations- commission/agendas/10-12-23/10-12-23-hrc-agenda.pdf
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incorporate into their finding and report. The updated report was presented to the HRC on March 14, 2024.8

ANALYSIS
See Attachment A: Memo from the Human Relations Commission titled: Report from the Human Relations Commission regarding their Research on the Lived Experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The HRC will be further investigating a series of next steps in response to this report in collaboration with staff. If the Commission wishes to go forward and engage with staff on any of the next steps identified that do not already align with City programming or services, staff will need to evaluate staff capacity or identify a funding source which may include requesting additional funds.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The HRC discussed the AANHPI survey and project at the following commission meetings:

February 9, 2023, March 16, 2023, April 27, 2023, June 8, 2023, October 12, 2023 (which included a listening session of the experiences of local AANHPI individuals), and a presentation of the final report on March 14, 2024. All meetings were open to the public.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is not a project as defined by CEQA.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Human Relations Committee Memo to Council & Slide Presentation APPROVED BY:

Kristen O'Kane
8 Human Relations Commission, March 14, 2024; Agenda Item 4; Attachment 1, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/community-services/human-relations- commission/agendas/3-14-24/hrc-agenda-3-14-24.pdf
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TO: CityCouncil
FROM: AdrianaEberle(Chair),AmyHsieh,MaryKateStimmler,HumanRelationsCommissionInclusion&BelongingAdhocSubcommittee DATE: March22,2023
RE: ReportfromtheHumanRelationsCommissionregardingtheirResearchontheLivedExperienceofAsianAmerican,NativeHawaiiansandPacificIslanders.

BackgroundThisreportonthelivedexperiencesofPaloAlto’sAsianAmerican,NativeHawaiian,andPacificIslander(AANHPI)residentswasmotivatedbytwofactors.

First,thereisalargeandgrowingpopulationofAAHNPIresidentsinPaloAlto:AccordingtotheUSCensus,34.8%ofPaloAlto’spopulationisAsian,whichhasbeenincreasingsteadilyoverthepastdecade.ThereissignificantdiversitywithintheAsianpopulation,withthetopfiveethnicitiesbeingChinese(20.3%),Indian(6.4%),Korean(3.1%),Japanese(1.5%),andFilipino(1%).

Second,duringthepandemic,anti-Asianhatecrimesincreasedsignificantlyacrossthecountry.InMarch2023,theFBIreleasedaSupplementalHateCrimesStatisticsreportthatshowedthenumberofanti-Asianreportedincidentsincreased167percentfrom279in2020to746in2021.

Forthesereasons,alongwithinputreceivedfromtheCouncilandthePolicyandServicesCommittee,theHumanRelationsCommission(HRC)completedareportonthe“LivedexperienceofAsianAmericans,NativeHawaiiansandPacificIslanders.” MethodologyTheHRCInclusion&BelongingadhocSubcommittee(subcommittee)usedthefollowingsourcestounderstandthelivedexperiencesofAAHNPIresidentsbetter:● HumanRelationsCommissionAAHNPISurvey:(Spring2023)○ TheCommissioncreatedasurveytounderstandtheselivedexperiencesanddistributeditacrossthecommunitythroughcommunityleaders,culturalcenters,schoolforumsandgroups,andin-personcanvassing.Onehundredresponseswerereceived,includingsixtranslatedfromChinese.● ListeningSession/PublicComment:○ TheHRCheldalisteningsessiononOctober12,2023.● PaloAltoCommunitySurvey:○ ThePaloAltoCommunitySurvey'sresultswereanalyzedtocomparethemwith Item 1
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thoseoftheHRC’sownsurvey.Thesurveyhad190responsesfrom“Asian,Asian-Indian,andPacificIslander”residents.● AmericanCommunitiesSurveyData fromtheUSCensusBureau:○ TheAmericanCommunitiesSurvey(USCensusBureau)wasanalyzedtosupplementtheseanalyses.Itisimportanttonotethatracial/ethniccategoriesvariedbysource;seefootnotebelow.

KeyThemesFivekeythemesemergedfromHRC’ssurvey.Thesewere(inorderoffrequency):appreciationandgratitudeforlivinginPaloAlto,theneedforgreatervisibilityandcivicrepresentationforAANHPIcultures,experiencesofracismanddiscriminationrecentandhistorical,aneedforgreaterrecognitionofthediversitywithinAANHPIcultures,andculturaltensionswithinPaloAltoUnifiedSchoolDistrict(PAUSD).Thesearealldescribedindetailbelow:

AppreciationandgratitudeforlivinginPaloAlto
ManyAANHPIresidentsmentionedappreciationandgratitudeforlivinginPaloAlto,with27outof81responsesmentioningit.Commentslike“Enjoybeingpartofthecommunity”and“Greatplacetoliveandseefamilythrive”suggestthatmanyresidentsappreciatelifeinourcity.

Similarly,inthePaloAltoCommunitySurvey,93%ofAsian,AsianIndian,andPacificIslanderresidentssaidtheywouldrecommendthecityasaplacetolive,and85%wouldrecommendthecityasaplacetoliveifsomeoneasked(bothoftheseresponsesaremorefavorableforAsianpopulationsthanfornon-Asianpopulations).

Needforgreatervisibilityandcivicrepresentation
ManyAANHPIresidentsmentionedtheneedforgreatervisibilityandcivicrepresentation(17outof81comments).Thefeelingofbeingunder-representedinlocalcityculturaleventswassimilarlyreflectedinthePaloAltoCommunitySurvey,whereAsian,AsianIndian,andPacificIslanderresidentsreportedlowersatisfactionwithrecreationprogramsandclasses(52%favorable,-17%vs.whiteresidents),city-sponsoredspecialevents(43%favorable,-14%vs.whiterespondents),opportunitiestoattendcultural/arts/musicactivities(63%favorable,-9%vs.whiterespondents),andartsprogramsandtheater(52%favorable,-8%vswhiterespondents).InthePaloAltoCommunitySurvey,themostsignificantgapbetweenAsianandwhiteresponsesisintheratingofadulteducationalopportunities(40%favorable,-19%vswhiterespondents).

IntheirHRCSurveycomments,residentsaskedforthefollowing:● Greaterrepresentationingovernment(4comments)○ “Weneedmorelocal leaderstorepresentourcommunity! Equality!” Item 1
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● Morecommunityresources,especiallyinthelibraries(e.g.,booksinChinese)(4comments)○ “WouldliketohearmoreaboutsupportiveresourcesforAsianAmericans/PacicIslanders.” ● Moreculturalrepresentationincommunityevents(2comments)○ “35%ofourcityeventsarenotAsianthemed/focused. Wewouldlovetohelpourkidsexperienceourparents' culture, butthatishardwhenmosteventsareTurkeyTrotsandChili Cookos.”● Greaterrepresentationwithinschoolstaff/teachers/libraries(2comments)○ “ProvidemoreChinesenewspapers/magazines/videosatRinconadalibraryoronline.” Experiencesofracismanddiscrimination, recentandpast
SeveralAANHPIrespondents(14outof81comments)sharedconcernsaboutanti-AANHPIracistattitudesandexperiences,includingrecentandpast,first-handexperiencesandsecond-handexperiences.ConcernsaboutinclusionweresimilarlyreflectedinthePaloAltoCommunitySurvey.Forexample,only52%ofAsian,AsianIndian,andPacificIslandersratedtheopennessandacceptanceofthecommunitytowardpeopleofdifferentbackgroundsfavorably,comparedto61%ofwhiterespondents(althoughinsomesimilarinclusion-relatedsurveyitems,AANHPIresidentswereatsimilarormorefavorablelevelsofsatisfactioncomparedtowhiteresidents).

IntheopentextintheHRCsurvey,respondentssharedpersonalreflectionsontheirexperiencesofracism:● Thegeneralexistenceofracistattitudes(10comments)○ “RacismagainstAsiansisstillarealityinPaloAlto.”● Specificexamplesofrecentdiscrimination(5comments)○ “ThereisacolumnistforthePaloAltoOnlineNewswhohaswrittenthingsthatareveryhurtfultoAfricanAmericans,Asians,andotherpeopleofcolor.“○ Specificexamplesofpastdiscrimination(3comments)○ “Ihaveseenalotofchangesinmy68years.WhenIwasgoingtoWalterHays,mybrotherandIweretheonlyAsiansattheschool.IrememberwhileclimbingonajunglegymatEleanorParkaboypulledthecornersofhiseyesandmadenoisesmimickingtheChineselanguage.“ NeedforagreaterrecognitionofdiversitywithinAANHPI cultures.

Oneminor(8outof81comments)butnotablethemeintheHRCsurveywastheneedtorecognizethediversitywithinAANHPIcultures.Somerespondentscriticizedthesurvey’sattempttounderstandtheAANHPIcommunityasasingularculture:● “Anyattempttounderstandthisasagroupwillfailastheycomprisevery Item 1
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differentcultures,world-views,andpoliticalleanings.”● “Asianisnotamonolithichomogeneousgroup.Therearewilddifferencesinculture,values,beliefsandnorms.It’sfrustratingtobelumpedintoonecategoryAANHPIcommunityisverydiverse,howeveritisstereotypedtobeahomogenousgroup.“Commentsonthisthemeserveasanimportantreminderthatasweactonthefeedback,wemustappreciatethedifferenceswithintheAANHPIcommunityandappealtoseveralcultures.

Cultural tensionswithinPAUSD
Thefinalminortheme(5outof81comments)weheardinboththeHRCsurveyandinpubliccommentwasaconcernaboutculturaltensionswithinPAUSD,especiallyrelatedtodebatesaroundthemathematicscurriculum. Forexample, ● Asawhitepassingperson,IoftenhearpeoplespeakingnegativelyaboutAsianparentsandkidsasiftheydon’t‘belong’orsomehowruintheirchildren’seducationalexperience.● TheywanttotakeawayopportunitiesforstudentstoexcelinSTEMsubjectsanditfeelslikeAsianstudentsaretargetedbytheirnewpolicies.● ThereisanassumptionbytheschooldistrictleadershipthatifanAsianstudentisfeelinganystressordepression(notnecessarilyassociatedwithacademics),itmustbecausedbyacademicpressurefromtheirAsianTigerparents.

AsthesetensionswithinPAUSDarewithintheschooldistrict'sjurisdiction,wehavenotaddressedthemdirectlyinourrecommendationsfortheHRCworkplanbuthaveincludedthemaspartofthelivedAANHPIexperienceswithinourCity.

NextStepsBasedonthefeedbackinthesurvey,theHRCisconsideringupdatingourworkplantoincludethefollowingfiveactionareas:

1. CreateaplantoincreaseAANHPIrepresentationoncitygovernmentboards,commission,andstaff.2. CreateadditionalAsian-centeredculturalevents,potentiallyworkingwithnewhiredstaffDEIandspecialeventsexperts.3. Investigatethepotentialinclusionofmoremultilingualandmulticulturallibraryandotherculturalresources,andcreatingawarenessaroundresourcesthatexist.

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4. Researchthepossibilityofmultilingualwayfaringsignage,especiallytorecreationalandculturalresources.

Theprioritizationoftheseactionitemswillbebalancedalongwithotherprioritiesandcityneedsduringourworkplanre-organizationinMay2024.

FootnoteonRacial/ethniccategories:*indicatesthegroupusedtocomparetotherespondentsoftheHRCsurvey. ● TheHRCsurveyhadablanktext“write-in”optionaskingpeople“Howdoyouidentifyyourself?”● DatafromthePaloAltoCommunitySurveyhaddataavailableforfollowing:○ White○ Asian,Asian-Indian,PacificIslander*○ Multiracial/Other○ NotethatBlackwascombinedwithMulti-racialandOtherduetolownumberofresponsestoprotectanonymity● TheAmericanCommunitiesSurveyincludesdataonthefollowing:○ AmericanIndianandAlaskaNative○ Asian*○ BlackorAfricanAmerican○ HispanicorLatino○ NativeHawaiianandOtherPacificIslander○ NotHispanicorLatino○ SomeOtherRace○ TwoorMoreRaces○ White Item 1
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Human Relations Commission
March 2024
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Palo Alto
Asian American, Native Hawaiian,
Pacific Islander (AANHPI)
Lived Experiences
Survey
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Contents

1. Introduction/Context

2. Top concerns for AANHPI Residents (Findings from Palo Alto Community Survey and HRC Survey)

3. HRC Survey Respondent Characteristics

4. Cross Race Comparisons (Palo Alto Community Survey)
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Introduction
Survey Goals
This survey was conducted by the Human Relations Commission to more fully understand the lived experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents. Part of the motivation of this project was to understand whether the spike in anti-Asian hate crimes seen nationally was having an impact on the lived experiences of Palo Alto Residents.

Timing
This survey was conducted between May and July 2023.

Context
Method
The survey was shared using word-of-mouth, social media posts, flyers, City enews and community cultural groups/events.

There were 100 responses to the survey.
● To address the small number of responses, we supplemented where possible with two additional data sources: the American Communities Survey from the US Census Bureau (using race/ethnicity category “Asian”) and the 2023 Palo Alto Community Survey (using 190 responses in the “Asian, Asian Indian, and Pacific Islander” race/ethnicity category).

Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
1991-2022
(Source: FBI)
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In 2022, 34.8% of Palo Alto was Asian*; the majority of Asian residents are Chinese (20.7% of all residents).

Context Source: American Communities Survey (US Census Bureau) Percent of all Palo Alto Residents
Only includes people who identified as one race. 2.2% of residents are Asian and white. ACS 5 year estimate is +/- 2.2%.

American Communities Survey Data
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The Asian population has been steadily growing in Palo Alto.

American Communities Survey Data
Context Source: American Communities Survey (US Census Bureau) 17,079
residents
20,977
residents
23,647
residents
%
%
%
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What should we know about your experience as an AANHPI individual in Palo Alto? Appreciation and gratitude for living in
Palo Alto.

Need for greater visibility and civic
representation of AANHPI cultures.

Experiences of racism and discrimination,
recent and past.

Need for a greater recognition of
diversity within AANHPI cultures.

Cultural tensions within PAUSD.

There were five recurring themes within responses:

Findings
Number of responses that mention theme (Response can mention more than 1 theme) Source: Palo Alto Community Survey
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I feel comfortable in the community.

I feel safe and comfortable living and walking in Palo Alto, I didn't realize the proportion of Asians was so high. Its gone up since we moved here in 1986.

It’s great
Love the diversity
Overall it is great
Enjoy being part of the community
Great place to live and see family thrive!!
I have enjoyed living in Palo Alto and have been treated well.

I feel satisfied so far.

Palo Alto is a great place to live and raise children. We plan to continue to live here after our retirement.
”
The most common theme expressed by
AANHPI residents was a general sense of
gratitude for living in Palo Alto.
27 out of 81
comments

1. HRC Survey shows many AANHPI residents have appreciation and gratitude for living in Palo Alto.
“
Findings Source: HRC Survey
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1. Community Survey results similarly show that AANHPI residents have high levels of appreciation for the city.

Findings
93% of Asian respondents would recommend Palo Alto as a place to live (+1% compared to white respondents)
85% of Asian respondents would recommend living in Palo Alto if someone asked (+10% compared to white respondents)
Due to low n-counts for other races/ethnicities, only white and Asian respondents responses were available from comparison.

Source: Palo Alto Community Survey
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We need more local leaders to represent our community! Equality! It would be nice to see representation in different places of city government and school admissions.

We do not have enough representation in the government.

Sometimes feel like we don’t see enough cultural events or representation in media at Paly. Would like to hear more about supportive resources for Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.
35% of our city events are not Asian themed/focused. We would love to help our kids experience our parents culture but that is hard when most events are Turkey Trots and Chili Cookoffs.

Provide more Chinese newspaper/magazines/videos at Rinconada library or online.

Palo Alto is not very diverse. Suggest adding more cultural programs, more communication to decrease AAPHI hate problem.

I think the community can provide more Chinese signs for Senior Chinese person, such as bus station, public parks, etc.
”
17 out of 81
comments

2. HRC Survey shows a greater visibility and civic representation of AANHPI cultures.

The second most common theme was a need
for greater visibility and appreciation for AANHPI
residents and their culture, including:
● Greater representation in government (4
comments)
● More community resources, especially in
the libraries (e.g. books in Chinese) (4
comments)
● More cultural representation in
community events (2 comments)
● Greater representation within school
staff/teachers/libraries. (2 comments)
“
Findings Source: HRC Survey
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2. The Community Survey also shows a need for greater visibility and civic representation of AANHPI cultures.

Findings
-17% vs white respondents
-14% vs white respondents
-9% vs white respondents
-8% vs white respondents
Due to low n-counts for other races/ethnicities, only white and Asian respondents responses were available from comparison. -19% vs white respondents
Source: Palo Alto Community Survey
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“
”
14 out of 81
comments

3. The HRC Survey shows experiences of racism and discrimination, recent and past.

Respondents mentioned the general existence
of racist attitudes (10 comments), specific
recent incidents (5 comments) and some past
incidents (3).

There is still some racial discrimination against (immigrant) Chinese people.

Racism against Asians is still a reality in Palo Alto.

Enjoy the cultural diversity and open-mindedness of most people but there are always some who don’t appreciate it and those who aren’t open to sharing.

There is a columnist for the Palo Alto Online News that has written things that are very hurtful to African Americans, Asians, and other people of color.

It feels like the Southeast Asian community and Islander community are largely viewed as "the help". I don't think there is any inherent racial bias, but the economic entry point to the city pretty much guarantee that Palo Altans are only learning about their wealthy neighbors instead of other Asian cultures.

My experience has not resulted in any ethnic prejudices, but I was upset when I heard about the Asian mailman that was verbally accosted a few years ago on Ross Road.

I have seen a lot of changes in my 68 years. When I was going to Walter Hays, my brother and I were the only Asians at the school. I remember while climbing on a jungle gym at Eleanore Park a boy pulled the corners of his eyes and made noises mimicking the Chinese language. I was probably 10 or so. But that's the only negative experience that I remember while growing up in PA.

Findings Source: HRC Survey
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3. Feedback in the Community Survey also shows some evidence of discrimination among Asian, Asian Indian and Pacific Islander residents.

Findings
Due to low n-counts for other races/ethnicities, only white and Asian respondents responses were available from comparison.

Ratings of Community
Ratings of City Govt
-9% vs White respondents
+1% vs White respondents
+5% vs White respondents
+8% vs White respondents
Source: Palo Alto Community Survey
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“
”
8 out of 81 comments

4. HRC Survey Shows the need for a greater recognition of diversity within AANHPI cultures.

Some residents mentioned the need for a
greater appreciation of the diversity within
AANHPI cultures. Firstly, the term AANHPI is offensive. It attempts to reduce the rich diversity of all the communities defined by the term as if they were a homogenous group.

Any attempt to understand this as a group will fail as they comprise very different cultures, world-views, and political leanings.

Asian is not a monolithic homogeneous group. There are wild differences in culture, values, beliefs and norms. It’s frustrating to be lumped into one category AANHPI community is very diverse, however it is stereotyped to be a homogenous group.

Within AANHPI not only there are cultural differences, but there are inequities experienced between the populations based on the group they represent, class, education, immigration status, generation (how many years lived in US), and darkness of skin
There should be more voices in the world for mixed people.

Findings Source: HRC Survey
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“
”
6 out of 81 comments

5. Finally, the HRC Survey included feedback on cultural tensions within PAUSD.

Respondents noted that there are cultural
tensions within PAUSD and different cultural
standards for public education, particularly
around parenting styles (2 comments) and STEM
education (2 comments).

As a white passing person, I often hear people speaking negatively about Asian parents and kids as if they don’t ‘belong’ or somehow ruin their children’s educational experience.

The concept of ‘forever foreigner’ is alive and well in Palo Alto.

Schools in PA feel less welcoming to Asians with the current district leadership. They want to take away opportunities for students to excel in STEM subjects and it feels like Asian students are targeted by their new policies.

I feel that the PAUSD school district demonizes Asian Americans as two-dimensional and as creating academic pressure not only on their own children, but the children of the entire community. There is an assumption by the school district leadership that if an Asian student is feeling any stress or depression (not necessarily associated with academics), it must be caused by academic pressure from their Asian Tiger parents.

We have experienced a very hostile school board that did not take us as parents' feedback when making decisions.

There is an anti-STEM vibe flowing through the PAUSD administration that disproportionately affects Asian kids. The current kerfuffle over multivariable calculus and linear algebra is an example. These are courses primarily taken by Asian kids and the administration decided to initially drop them, and after a big fight has allowed them back in a less than ideal manner.

Findings Source: HRC Survey
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Four key ways to build a more inclusive community for Asian residents To be considered for future inclusion in the HRC workplace in Q2 2024 Greater representation
in city government boards,
commissions, and staff
Additional Asian-centered
cultural events
More non-multilingual or
multi-cultural library and
other resources; or
greater awareness of
existing resources
Multilingual wayfaring
signage
Recommendations
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There were a wide-range of ways that respondents identified.

The most common ways that respondents
identified where:
● Asian (24)
● Asian American (8)
● Indian (8)
● Chinese American (8)
● Chinese (8)
● South Asian (3)
● American (3)
Some of the unique ways that respondents
identified were: 100% Vietnamese immigrant,
Burmese Chinese, British-Born Chinese, East
Asian American, American Born Chinese,
Filipino-American, AAPI, mixed.Taiwanese and
Chinese American.

Respondent Characteristics Source: HRC Survey
Item 1
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Monolingual English was the most common language of respondents, but several other languages were also spoken.

Language(s)
English only 34
English + other language(s) 58
Chinese* 33
Chinese only 7
Indian Language other than Hindi* 10
Japanese* 8
Spanish* 8
Hindi* 6
Vietnamese* 4
French* 3
*Most speakers also spoke English.

Languages only spoken by one respondent included: Korean, French, Tongan, Samoan, Taiwanese, Filipino, Burmese, Italian, German.

According to American Communities Survey (US
Census), 33% of Palo Alto residents speak a language
other than English at home.
% of all residents who speak a language other
than English at home who speak
Spanish 4%
Indo-European language 11%
Asian or Pacific Islander language 18%
Respondent Characteristics Source: HRC Survey
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A large majority of respondents were either young-middle aged adults(25-54) (39%) or seniors (55+) (44%).

What is your age range?
According to 2022
American
Communities
Survey (US
Census), 38.5% of
Palo Alto was
25-54 and 29%
were 37.6% were
over 55%,
suggesting that the
demographics of
respondents
roughly matched
those of the city.

Respondent Characteristics Source: HRC Survey
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A large majority of respondents have lived in Palo Alto 10+ years (63%).

How long have you lived in Palo Alto?
Respondent Characteristics Source: HRC Survey
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In the Palo Alto Community Survey, “Black, Multi-Racial, and Other” residents have a generally less positive experience compared to White and Asian residents. n=330
n=190
n=46
3 20
66 Cross Race comparison Source: Palo Alto Community Survey Item 1
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In the Community Survey, there is general consensus across racial groups about the areas of our city that need the most attention. Gray boxes indicate that item was not in lowest 12 for group. 3 20
66 Lowest ranked items on Community Survey
across all respondents All Residents White
Asian, Asian Indian,
Pacific Islander
Black, Multi-Racial,
“Other”
Cost of living in Palo Alto 8% 7% 8% 14%
Availability of affordable quality housing 10% 7% 14% 9% Availability of affordable quality mental health
care 17% 17% 15% 21%
Building and planning application processing
services 20% 14% 29% 32%
Availability of affordable quality
childcare/preschool 20% 16% 26% 28%
Ease of travel by public transportation in Palo Alto 23% 25% 19% 19% Variety of housing options 24% 20% 31% 22%
Land use, planning, and zoning 32% 28% 41% 26%
Affordable high-speed internet access 35% 36% 35% 30%
Taking care of vulnerable residents 39% 38% 45% 25%
Code enforcement 40% 36% 45% 44%
Working hard to keep utilities prices competitive 41% 46% 33% 41% Cross Race Comparison Source: Palo Alto Community Survey Item 1
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Unique areas of concern for each racial group: Items were ranked in the racial group’s bottom 12 but not in the bottom 12 for all residents combined. 3 20
66 White
Asian, Asian Indian, Pacific
Islander
Black, Multi-Racial, and
Other
Items that were in the racial
group’s bottom 12, but not in
bottom 12 for the city
overall.
● Employment
opportunities.
● Opportunities to learn
about City services
through social media
such as Twitter,
Facebook, and
Nextdoor
● Adult educational
opportunities
● Treating all residents
fairly
● Value of services for
taxes paid to Palo Alto
● Overall direction Palo
Alto is taking
● Being open and
transparent to the
public
Cross Race Comparison Source: Palo Alto Community Survey Item 1
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Community Services
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Report #:2407-3243
TITLE
Report from the Human Relations Commission Resulting from the ’Voices of our Community’ Listening Sessions on Local Experiences of Islamophobia/Anti-Arab Hate and Anti-Semitism.

CEQA status - not a project.

RECOMMENDATION
Receive the report from the Human Relations Commission resulting from the ’Voices of our Community’ Listening Sessions on Local Experiences of Islamophobia/Anti-Arab Hate and Anti- Semitism and provide feedback.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Human Relations Commission seeks to be “eyes and ears” of the community regarding emerging issues. A key format used by the Commission to listen, learn, and understand how these issues affect the community has been through Listening Sessions. This report provides a description of the concept and next steps identified from a series of listening sessions called “Voices of our Community” regarding community members’ local experiences of Islamophobia/Anti-Arab hate and Anti-Semitism.

BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) has utilized a format called a Listening Session to invite members of the community to share their lived experiences in Palo Alto. The purpose of this format is to provide a venue for community members to be seen and heard, foster a sense of belonging and connection, create a better understanding of their experiences and the societal factors that cause or contribute to the situation and, at times, invite speakers to provide suggestions to address the issues raised. This format has been used by the HRC for the report on Item 2
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Black & Brown Palo Alto – History & Current Experience (2021) 1, Lived Experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (2023-24) 2, and most recently with the Muslim/Arab/Palestinian and Jewish/Israeli communities. The details on that most recent listening session are shared in this report below.

In late 2023/early 2024, the HRC hosted a series of community listening sessions to hear from local Muslim/Arab/Palestinian and Jewish/Israeli community members regarding their local experiences of rising Islamophobia/Anti-Arab hate and Anti-Semitism. These sessions were dedicated to understanding these groups' specific, local experiences, reflecting the HRC’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. The HRC decided to conduct separate listening sessions for the Muslim/Arab/Palestinian and Jewish/Israeli communities to provide a dedicated space where individuals could openly share their personal experiences and perspectives.

The following Listening Sessions were held:
•Voices of Our Community (Listening Session): Local Muslim and Arab Experiences in the face of rising Islamophobia and Anti-Arab hate – December 6, 2023 •Voices of Our Community (Listening Session): Local Jewish Experiences in the face of rising Anti-Semitism – January 11, 2024
During each Listening Session, a panel of three individuals presented greater context to the local issues and concerns of each community and presented recommendations for the City to address the issues they face (see Attachments A & B). This was followed by the sharing of individual personal experiences during public comment time.

Some of the experiences shared include:
•Fear to identify with their culture, religion or heritage, especially in public settings •Harassment experienced by local students based on their religion or heritage •Hate incidences
•Feeling unsafe at one’s place of worship
•Feeling unsupported by the larger Palo Alto community
•Symbols of hate seen around town in the form of graffiti or other means 1 City Council, January 19,2021; Agenda Item #3; SR #11911, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports- cmrs/year-archive/2021/id-11911.pdf
2 City Council, June 18, 2024; Agenda Item #1; SR #2406-3124, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=79664&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=06bd20bc-87ec-485b- b7b5-e28de8ff08e7. Please note that this item was not heard on June 18, 2024, and has been rescheduled for August 19, 2024.

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At its February 8, 2024 meeting, the HRC discussed how best to address the concerns and recommendations brought forward at the Listening Sessions. Since the Commission had previously established ad hoc subcommittees to address issues related to Inclusion & Belonging and Public Safety, they assigned these two subcommittees to bring back recommendations to the next HRC meeting.

At a special HRC meeting on March 6, 2024, each subcommittee shared their rationale and decision-making process used in crafting their draft recommendations for the full Commission’s consideration3.

The Inclusion & Belonging Subcommittee (ad hoc) focused on the lived experiences of Palo Alto residents and the ways in which the City could create a more inclusive experience for Jewish and Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern residents. The subcommittee followed a series of agreed upon principles in evaluating the possible actions to bring to the full commission including: Inclusion, Locally Focused, Legality, Expediency, Complementarity, Tangible Impact and Avoiding Duplication.

The Public Safety Subcommittee (ad hoc) was concerned with escalations of hate incidents nationwide and in the Bay Area. They focused on understanding and taking action on increasing individuals’ feeling of safety and security in the community.

There was general consensus when the recommendations were brought forward for discussion by the whole Commission with the discussion centered mostly on minor text edits.

ANALYSIS
The outcome of the Listening Sessions was a series of recommendations4 from the HRC to the Council on the following topics:

1. Ensuring that training on increasing religious tolerance and decreasing discrimination based on ethnicity and nationality is included as part of the City’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) training for City employees, boards and commissions.

2. Increasing messaging of efforts by the City on equity/inclusion and the implementation of a social media campaign on the “Palo Alto Way” highlighting the City’s Equity Mission Statement.

3. Ensuring that the Council Calendar includes the major holidays of the faith communities represented in Palo Alto.
3 Human Relations Commission, March 6, 2024; Item 1, Memorandum; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/community-services/human-relations- commission/agendas/3-6-24/memorandum-to-hrc-recommendation-from-adhoc-subcommittees.pdf 4 Human Relations Commission, March 6, 2024; Action Minutes, Item 1; https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=71709&repo=r-704298fc Item 2
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4. Reviewing the legality of sponsoring/co-sponsoring religious holiday celebrations. This recommendation might be added to the work that the City is already doing regarding the holiday framework the HRC previously recommended.

5. Researching the concept of forming an interfaith community advisory group to build bridges within the Palo Alto community, including schools and libraries. The interfaith community advisory group would include a liaison from the HRC.

6. Establishing a Palo Alto Police Department “Liaison” or first point of contact to the Faith Community for non-emergency matters.

Upon review by staff, many of the topics brought forth by the HRC for suggested action align closely to actions included in the City’s 2024-2025 Equity Action Plan5, as illustrated below in the following Equity Action Plan objectives:

Cultivating Experiences and Appreciation: (number references are Equity Action Plan numbers) •Item 1.2 Share information and specific cultural and heritage months and holidays. •Item 1.2 Review Citywide events through an inclusion and equity lens, identify gaps. •Item 1.3 Create a process that includes the HRC for annual calendar setting related to holiday and heritage months.

Fostering an Inclusive Environment:
•Item 2.1 Share DEIB values with New Employees at New Employee Orientation in the context of workplace culture.
•Item 2.2 Conduct Quarterly Interactive DEIB Workshop Training for all Employees Applying an Equity Lens (Strategic Review of the Organization through an Equity Lens) •Item 3.3. Begin to partner with the HRC to work with other commissions to apply an equity lens to their work (will further define with the HRC).

Updates on Staff and Commission work items included in the Equity Action Plan will be included, as appropriate, in regular reports to the Council via the Policy & Services Committee.

Regarding the HRC recommendations that do not fall within items in the City’s Equity Action Plan, staff has provided the following updates:

5. HRC Recommendation: Researching the concept of forming an interfaith community advisory group to build bridges within the Palo Alto community, including schools and libraries. The interfaith community advisory group would include a liaison from the HRC.
5 City Council 2024 and 2025 Equity Action Plan (Workplan), https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/race-amp-equity/equity-workplan-2024.pdf Item 2
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Staff Response: The HRC hosted a very informative Listening Session with leadership from eleven faith communities at a special meeting on June 20, 2024. The faith leaders gathered were very appreciative of the invitation and shared ways in which they could partner with the City in the future, challenges with some past interactions with the City and how the City could help support their community. Staff feels that the HRC is the right body in the City to convene future gatherings of the Faith Community 6.

6. HRC Recommendation: Establishing a Palo Alto Police Department “Liaison” or first point of contact to the Faith Community for non-emergency matters.

Staff Response: Human Services Staff has been in dialogue with the Palo Alto Police Department regarding the concept of a Faith Community Liaison and the Police Department in response will assign this to a staff member as approved by the Chief of Police. Note, these assignments are rotational within the Police Department and would take into account other pressing needs within the department and community at any given time.

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
At this time, staff does not anticipate a resource impact as staff time associated with the implementation of the City’s 2024-2025 Equity Action Plan is already included in the FY25 Adopted Operating Budget.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Human Relations Commission agendized the Listening Sessions at its meeting on December 6, 2023, January 11, 2024, and March 6, 2024. Outreach was conducted to seek public input at each meeting.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is not a project as defined by CEQA.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Rising Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate
Attachment B: The Jewish Experience and Recommendations APPROVED BY: Kristen O'Kane, Community Services Director 6 Video Recording of the Human Relations Commission, June 20, 2024; Agenda Item 1; https://midpenmedia.org/human-relations-commission-3-6202024/ Item 2
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Rising Islamophobia and
Anti-Arab hate. Let’s Talk
about Racism.

Challenging Stereotypes, Building Bridges: Addressing the Surge in Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate
Attachment A
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and Anti-Arab Hate

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Human Relations Commission Mission
“... promote the just and fair treatment of
all people in Palo Alto”
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and Anti-Arab Hate

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Bigotry against Palestinians and Islamophobia
- Recent Acts of Hate
Murder of a 6 year old boy, Wadea
Al-Fayoume
Three Palestinian college students shot
in Vermont
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and Anti-Arab Hate

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How Does this Affect us here in Palo Alto?
● Fear of Speaking Up● Fear of advocating for Palestinian Human Rights● Fear of being called “Terrorist” ○ Our identities are unjustly conﬂated with terrorism
■ PAUSD Resolution : “WHEREAS, Muslim and
MENA, and especially our Palestinian PAUSD
students and families, whose cultural
self-expression and very identity are routinely
conﬂated with terrorism, are feeling targeted,
and report experiencing hatred, silencing,
intimidation and exclusionary behaviors in our
elementary, middle and high schools;”
■ Regular Board Meeting - November 14, 2023
● Afraid to identify with our culture, religion or heritage● Fear of being doxxed, threatened, or harassed The effects go beyond the Arab, Muslim, and
Palestinian communities. It affects ALL of us,
regardless of ethnic background, race, or
religion. When people fear being silenced,
called names, and fear for their own personal
safeties, it isolates communities and
dehumanizes them.

Silence from Community leader further
worsens this
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Mental Health Effects
● Over 60% of American Muslims have reported experiencing at least one instance of religious discrimination
● Living through Islamophobia is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in both Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim.
● Discrimination due to Muslim identity is associated with a greater number of depressive symptoms, fear and anxiety, lower
self-esteem, and overall psychological distress.
● 56% of Muslim school-age respondents reported feeling unsafe at school and 20% of them reported missing school due to these feelings
Rania Awaad, M.D. is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab
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Personal Story of being a Palo
Alto Muslim
● Previously, always felt included and
comfortable.
● Would read Ramadan story before
winter break at Walter Hays
● Truly felt Palo Alto was a utopia
● Different now - This is the most
fearful time since living in Palo Alto
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How can the HRC Help Us?
● Oﬃcial Recognition of Ramadan and Eid Holidays
● Cultural and Literary Festivals
○ Highlight Muslim and Arab authors
○ Highlight prominent American Muslim ﬁgures past and
present (eg Muhammad Ali, Hasan Minhaj)
○ Highlight Muslim artists and musicians
○ Annual Palo Alto city sponsored community Iftar
(Ramadan) dinner
○ Eid festivals
● Education
○ On Islam, Ramadan, and Fasting
○ Teach-ins for local teachers on Islamic and Arab History ● Safety
○ Liaison with Police department
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and Anti-Arab Hate

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How can the HRC Help Us?
● City Council Support
○ Stronger condemnation of Islamophobia, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian racism
○ Palestinian Cultural Day Proclamation May 15, 2023
● Adoption of anti-racism and anti-hate deﬁnitions along with community education
○ Anti-Palestinian racism
■ Anti-Palestinian Racism: Naming, Framing and
Manifestations by Arab Canadian Lawyers
Association
■ Anti-Palestinian Racism
○ Islamophobia
■ A Working Deﬁnition of Islamophobia - Presented at
Human Rights Council
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and Anti-Arab Hate

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Thank you
We appreciate that you have given
our community a voice.

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and Anti-Arab Hate

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1 2
Palo Alto:

The Jewish Experience and Recommendations
Palo Alto Human Relations Commission
Listening Session with the Jewish Community
January 11, 2024
Speaker:

Rabbi David Booth
Attachment B
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9 10

Speaker:

Sarith Honigstein
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11 12

Los Altos ,
October 2023
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13 14

Los Altos ,
October 2023
Woodside ,
October 2023
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15 16

Israel Flag burned El Cerrito , January 2024
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17 18

El Cerrito , January 2024
Stanford , October 2023
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19 20

Palo Alto ,
December 2023
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21 22

Oakland , November 2023
Speaker:

Lori Meyers
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23 24

ANTISEMITISM NOW
Antisemitism In the Community
Pennies thrown and “Hitler didn’t
finish the job”, 2012
“They are stupid Jews,” 2013
Pennies thrown, recent
Antisemitism
Antisemitism in the Library
Organization promoted on
Palo Alto Library website, May 2021 Author promoted by staff member on Palo Alto Library website, Oct 2023
More Antisemitism
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25 26

Excerpts from “Handala’s Return,” TK-3rd
Grade lesson, “From Oakland to Gaza” T eac
In, 12/2023
Antisemitism In Our Lives
Antisemitic image 3rd-
5th Grade lesson, “Fr om
Oakland to Gaza”
T each-In, 12/2023
And More Antisemitism
Social media post, upcoming
“T each-In”, 1/2024
The “Palo Alto” WayThe “Palo Alto” Way
City of Palo Alto Proclamation,
October 2023
Junior Museum and Zoo helping
Jewish children, October 2023
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27 28

Recommendation #1: Implement the
U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism
U.S. National Strategy - Pillar 1
U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism :

Pillar 1
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29 30

U.S. National Strategy - Pillar 1
U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism :

Pillar 2
U.S. National Strategy - Pillar 1
U.S. National Strategy: Pillar 3
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31 32
U.S. National Strategy - Pillar 1
U.S. National Strategy: Pillar 4
Recommendation #2: Bring Us Together
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A Mayor’s Guide to Countering Antisemitism:

Implementing the U.S. National
Strategy to Counter Antisemitism
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The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism outlines a whole-of- society effort to address anti-Jewish hate. *The Strategy stands on four pillars, each of which present opportunities for mayors who are often on the front line of combating antisemitism, protecting Jewish communities, and supporting American values. This guide provides suggestions for possible actions mayors could take to implement the four pillars.

A Mayor’s Guide to Countering Antisemitism:

Implementing the U.S. National
Strategy to Counter Antisemitism
*In many ways, the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism mirrors AJC’s Call to Action Against Antisemitism in America1, a guide for all sectors of society to understand, respond to, and prevent antisemitism, released in September 2022. 1AJC.org/CallToAction
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Pillar 1
Increase awareness
and understanding
of antisemitism,
including its
threat to America,
and broaden
appreciation of
Jewish American
heritage
The Strategy reaffirms the U.S. government's embrace of the non-legally binding ‘working definition’ of antisemitism adopted in 2016 by the 31-member states of the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

ADOPT OR ENDORSE the International
Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)
Working Definition of Antisemitism2, a proven,
flexible tool embraced by more than half of U.S.
states and dozens of local municipalities3.

UTILIZE THE IHRA WORKING DEFINITION OF
ANTISEMITISM to deepen awareness amongst
educators, members of law enforcement,
prosecutors, and others. The U.S. Departments
of Education and State have used the definition
for years. Here4 is information on how several
European agencies are using the definition5.

The Strategy calls on state and local governments to
utilize materials published by Jewish organizations
to help identify antisemitic tropes, words, and
symbols that can hide in plain sight.

SHARE AJC’S TRANSLATE HATE GLOSSARY
which helps identify and expose antisemitic tropes,
words, and symbols. Mayors and departments
of education can share Translate Hate6 on
their websites for educators and constituents.

Urge public libraries to offer copies.

The Strategy calls on state and local leaders to celebrate the positive contributions Jewish Americans have made,
particularly by highlighting International Holocaust
Remembrance Day and Jewish American Heritage Month.

PLAN FOR JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH,
which occurs in May. AJC offers many resources
specifically designed to help mayors celebrate Jewish
American Heritage Month7, including talking points,
customizable social media posts, and template
press releases. AJC can also help plan community
events in partnership with elected officials.

ACKNOWLEDGE INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST
REMEMBRANCE DAY, designated by the UN to
take place annually on January 27. Mayors can
issue public statements8, use the opportunity
to encourage Holocaust education, and hold
community events reaffirming the fundamental
guiding lesson of the Holocaust: never again.
2AJC.org/the-working-definition-of-antisemitism
3AJC.org/use-of-the-working-definition-in-the-us
4AJC.org/employing-the-working-definition
5AJC.org/employing-the-working-definition
6AJC.org/TranslateHate
7AJC.org/JewishAmericanHeritageMonth
8AJC.org/InternationalHolocastRememberanceDay
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The Strategy calls on states and localities to
offer trainings to help people understand Jewish
communities, antisemitism, and ways to counter
antisemitism in their neighborhoods.

PARTNER WITH AJC TO PLAN TRAININGS for
elected officials, law enforcement, corporations,
sports teams, higher education institutions, and
nonprofits to help them recognize antisemitism, raise
awareness, and address it using a variety of tools. To
schedule a training, contact [email protected].

The Strategy calls on state and local governments to
strengthen education on Jewish history, antisemitism,
and the Holocaust, by encouraging studies to assess how effectively school districts are teaching the Holocaust, and creating councils on Holocaust and genocide education.

SEE HOW YOUR STATE COMPARES. Thirty-nine
states9 have some sort of Holocaust education and
yet most Millennials and Gen Z lack basic knowledge.

Short of mandatory Holocaust education, state
and local governments can urge formal or informal
educational opportunities. AJC’s resource on Holocaust
education highlights legislative guidelines and best
practices for teaching Holocaust education10.

The Strategy affirms that ethnic studies and history
curricula should include Jewish studies.

ENCOURAGE JEWISH REPRESENTATION IN
ETHNIC STUDIES CURRICULA. Lessons should
include Jewish religion and culture11,Jewish history,
and contributions to America12, Jewish diversity, and
contemporary antisemitism13. Because antisemitism
presents in unique forms, teachers should be
trained to teach about the topic accurately and
to be alert to its presence in the classroom.
9AJC.org/NeverAgain
10AJC.org/NeverAgain
11AJC.org/Culture
12AJC.org/JAHMTalkingPoints
13AJC.org/Issues/Antisemitism
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Pillar 2
Improve safety
and security
for Jewish
communities
The Strategy calls for increased coordination among
local government, law enforcement, and the Jewish
community. It cites AJC’s 2022 State of Antisemitism in America report14 that says 63% of American Jews believe law enforcement is effective in responding to the Jewish community’s needs, a sharp drop from 81% in 2019.

ENSURE COLLABORATION. Ask your city’s
police chief to designate an appropriate senior
official to be a central point of contact for local
Jewish communities on security needs.

INVEST IN JEWISH COMMUNITY SECURITY.

Encourage religiously affiliated institutions to
apply for nonprofit security grants15 from the
Department of Homeland Security to fund security
training and physical security enhancements.

The Strategy calls on mayors, governors, and municipal
leaders to convene diverse networks of community
partners, including law enforcement, to discuss
antisemitism and promote hate crime reporting. Year
after year, Jews are the largest target of all religiously motivated hate crimes, despite accounting for just 2% of the U.S. population. Making matters worse, many hate
crimes go unreported to law enforcement by victims.

APPOINT A LIAISON. Designate a central
coordinator for Jewish and other faith communities,
especially as security needs arise. Many elected
leaders have Jewish advisory groups or interfaith/
interethnic taskforces. Using the National Strategy
as a model, consider an action plan to outline a
comprehensive city-wide strategy on antisemitism.

ENCOURAGE VICTIMS AND WITNESSES TO
REPORT HATE CRIMES. Local governments can
leverage Department of Justice (DOJ) resources
for hate crimes bias training and hotlines.

ENCOURAGE LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTING.

Year after year, fewer and fewer law enforcement
agencies share hate crimes data with the FBI. It is
impossible to address hate crimes when we do not
understand their extent. Elected leaders should work
to ensure that all law enforcement agencies submit
hate crimes data to the FBI for its annual report.
14AJC.org/AntisemitismReport2022
15www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security
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Pillar 3
Reverse the
normalization
of antisemitism
and counter
antisemitic
discrimination
The Strategy calls on elected leaders at all
levels to speak out against antisemitism and to
recognize and celebrate those in their communities
who speak out against antisemitism.

ISSUE UNEQUIVOCAL CONDEMNATIONS. As with
all hate crimes, when an incident occurs, elected
officials should speak out loudly and clearly using their broad reach, affirming that antisemitism is not just a
Jewish problem, but an assault on American values.

DEPOLITICIZE THE FIGHT AGAINST ANTISEMITISM.

Bipartisanship is critical to American success in
countering hatred of Jews in the U.S. and abroad.

Politicians must call out hatred within their party,
before pointing fingers across the aisle.

The Strategy calls on state and local leaders to work with Jewish and other religious communities to ensure that
calendars for public schools and elections consider the major holidays of religious groups of all faith communities and that appropriate religious accommodations are made.

ENCOURAGE OFFICIAL CALENDARS (schools,
elections, etc.) to consider major Jewish holidays16.

The Strategy calls on states, cities, and school districts to expand media literacy education to address online
misinformation and disinformation related to antisemitism.

ENCOURAGE MEDIA LITERACY. A number of attacks
against Jews originated on social media. State and local governments should promote media and digital literacy
and critical thinking, especially among educators.
16AJC.org/Culture
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Pillar 4
Build cross-
community
solidarity and
collective action
to counter hate
The Strategy states it is imperative that non-Jewish and Jewish communities work together and stand up for each
other in order to counter antisemitism and other forms
of hate. A diversity of voices and actors signals that
antisemitism is not just a problem for Jews, but for all.

ENGAGE LEADERS IN COMMUNITY COALITIONS.

Elected officials should join in and lift up exemplary
cross-community partnerships like AJC’s Muslim-
Jewish Advisory Council17, Latino Jewish Leadership
Council18, and Christian-Jewish, Black/Jewish and other coalitions in solidarity and action against antisemitism.

CREATE PREVENTION NETWORKS. Consider
implementing a program like Tackle!, a customized
curriculum to empower public officials to develop local prevention frameworks to protect their communities
from threats motivated by extremism or bigotry.

Funded in part by a U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) grant, Tackle! is a partnership
between Muflehun19, a resource center, and AJC.
17AJC.org/MJAC
18AJC.org/LJLC
19www.muflehun.org
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The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)
is the official non-partisan organization of cities
with populations of 30,000 or more. There
are more than 1,400 such cities in the country
today. Each city is represented in the Conference
by its chief elected official, the mayor.

For decades, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has had
policy opposing antisemitism and all forms of hate and
bigotry in American cities. Mayors are on the frontlines of the fight against antisemitism, serving as a leading voice against hate crimes in their communities and
directing their local police departments to collect
and report all hate crimes. In 2021, USCM and AJC
established the Mayors United Against Antisemitism20
initiative to unite leaders across the country in the
fight against antisemitism. More than 500 mayors
joined this effort, signing a statement declaring
that antisemitism is incompatible with fundamental
democratic values. Recently the Conference
established a page dedicated to Combating
Antisemitism21 on its website. The U.S. Conference
of Mayors remains committed to combating
antisemitism and all forms of hate in America’s cities.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global
advocacy organization for the Jewish people.

With headquarters in New York, 25 offices across
the United States, 14 overseas posts, as well as
partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations
worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-
being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to
advance human rights and democratic values
in the United States and around the world.

Following the historic unveiling of the U.S.

National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism
by the White House, AJC CEO Ted Deutch
announced the creation of the AJC Task Force to
Implement the U.S. National Strategy to Counter
Antisemitism. AJC’s Task Force is designed to
ensure the execution of the National Strategy,
which includes dozens of AJC’s recommendations
closely resembling AJC’s Call to Action Against
Antisemitism in America, in a meaningful and
timely manner. For more information on AJC’s
Task Force visit AJC.org/NationalStrategyNews.
20AJC.org/mayors
21www.usmayors.org/programs/mayors-and-business-leaders- center-for-compassionate-and-equitable-cities/combating- antisemitism
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 1 AJC's glossary of
antisemitic terms,
phrases, conspiracies,
cartoons, themes,
and memes.

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Table of Contents
Introduction 3
B
blood libel 4
C
cabal 4
clannish 5
conspiracy theory 5
control 6
cosmopolitan elite 6
cowardice 7
creatures 7
D
deadly exchange 8
deicide 8
dual loyalty 9
E
(((echo))) 9
F
“From the River to the Sea” 10
G
globalist 10
“The Goyim Know” 11
greed 11
H
Holocough 12
Holocaust denial 13
I
Illuminati 14
J
Jewish capitalist 14
Jewish communist 15
Jew down 15
Jewish features 16
Jewish figures 16
Jewish lightning 17
Jewish lobby 17
Judas/30 pieces of silver 18
K
Khazars 18
Kike 19
kosher tax 19
N
New World Order 20
“not the real Jews” 20
P
poisoning the well 21
Protocols of the Elders of Zion 22
Q
QAnon 22
R
Rothschild 23
S
Satan 24
scapegoat 25
silencing 25
slavery / slave trade 26
smirking merchant 26
Soros 27
Z
“Zionism is racism” 27
Zionist / “Zio” 28
Zionist Occupied Government 29
Defining Antisemitism 30
How to Report Hate 32
Conclusion 33
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3 Introduction
Antisemitism is the hatred of Jews. But it is not only a hatred and manifests itself in many different ways. It
includes medieval blood libel claims rooted in Christianity and twentieth century conspiracy theories about Jewish
control of the world economy. It encompasses Holocaust
denial and distortion and virulent anti-Israel animus. It can exist in places where Jews are prominent and visible and in places where Jews themselves are entirely absent. It may be present in physical encounters at work or on the street or in the virtual world of the internet and social media. But in order to combat antisemitism we must first understand it. And that means we must define it in all its forms and expressions, in ways both painfully evident and obscure.

In 2020, nine in ten American Jews believe that
antisemitism is a problem in the United States. Eight in ten believe it has increased in the past five years. Their concerns align with FBI data which show increased levels of antisemitism in the U.S. However, non-Jews are largely not aware of this increase. Only four in ten members
of the U.S. public believe antisemitism has increased in the past five years. And maybe most startling, nearly
half (46%) of U.S. adults have not heard the term
antisemitism or have heard the term but do not know
what it means.

Translate Hate was created to explain antisemitism.

This glossary aims to improve media literacy on
antisemitism and hate, especially in the digital realm.

It offers a comprehensive list of terms and expressions that will help you recognize antisemitism when you see
it. And once you recognize it, you can become part of
the global effort to fight it—and eliminate it.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 4 blood libel
noun \ 'bləd 'lī-bəl \
: perpetuated accusation that Jews have murdered non-Jews (such as Christian children) in order to use their blood in rituals WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The blood libel charge—also known as the ritual murder
charge—has falsely accused Jews of killing and using the blood of Christians for ritual purposes since the Middle Ages.

Blood libels were commonly spread before the Jewish holiday of Passover, outrageously asserting that Jews “used the blood of Christian children” as an ingredient in ritual breads—an association linked to the ancient accusation that Jews are to blame for the death of Jesus (see deicide).

In more contemporary times, blood libel charges evolved into a widespread blame of Jews for unconnected murders and other horrific crimes—including the modern rumors
of organ harvesting in Israel (see Figure B1) and Jews (or Zionists) eating Palestinian children and drinking their blood (see Figure B2).

As one of the longest-standing forms of antisemitism, blood libels have led to horrific violence, destruction, persecution, and massacres of Jewish people and communities—before, during, and beyond the Nazi propaganda that used it to demonize Jews. Despite its utter falsehood and its disavowal by Jews, the Roman Catholic Church, and other nonreligious authorities, blood libel remains an influential myth in the 21st century.

cabal
Noun \ kə'bäl \
: a small, powerful group that seeks to establish control WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Jews have long been accused of being part of a secret group that controls the economic and political world order. The term cabal originates from the word kabbalah, the Jewish mystical interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. Often denoted as “Jewish cabal” on social media, it is a dog whistle for Jewish control (see control).

Several antisemitic publications and conspiracy theories capitalize on this imagery of a conniving cohort, such as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion or the New World Order theory which is based on the idea that Jews have formed a power structure in which they control the media, economy, and politics (see Protocols of the Elders of Zion, New World Order).

B
C
Figure B2
An UNRWA teacher in Jordan
posted this cartoon on
Facebook showing a Jewish
person cutting up and eating a
Palestinian child while drinking
his blood, 2015.

Figure C1
A tweet shared in September
2020.

Figure B1
A headline from October 2018
referencing a blood libel charge
of Israel murdering Palestinian
children for their organs.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 5 clannish
theme \ 'klaniSH \
: of or relating to a clan; tending to associate only with a select group of similar background or status
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Referring to Jews as clannish is an antisemitic stereotype claiming that Jews only associate and do business with “their own kind,” using their power to benefit other Jews and keep non- Jews from having a fair chance. This accusation has been used to label Jews as economically untrustworthy, aggressive, apathetic, exclusive, and unaccepting of non-Jews and non-Jewish cultures.

Similarly, the conspiracy that global Jewish financial firms are connected by family ties and work together in an unethical manner is known as the “clannish” theory. This false claim perpetuates the idea that Jews are “elitists” who work against the interest of all non-Jews to gain wealth (see greed).

The nearly 200-year-old Rothschild conspiracy theory is an example of how this “clannish” theme has fueled antisemitism throughout history to the modern day. At its core, this theory states that a secret clan of Jews under the leadership of the Rothschild banking family has been manipulating currency and global events for personal enrichment and world domination (see Rothschild).
conspiracy theory
theme \ kən-'spir-ə-sē 'thē-ə-rē \
: a belief that some covert but influential organization is responsible for a circumstance or event
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

From medieval times until the present day, conspiracy
theories have spread antisemitic beliefs that blame Jews for the world’s worst tragedies. Jews were accused of poisoning wells in 14th century Europe causing the Black Death and in 21st century America, they were charged with being the "hidden hand" responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Antisemitism, like all conspiracy theories, is irrational in nature— unable to be explained by logic or sound reasoning. In his 1986 book Antisemitism in the Contemporary World, Michael Curtis describes how no other group aside from Jews has been blamed simultaneously for opposing phenomena: being an
insular yet cosmopolitan group; for being capitalists and behind Communist revolutions; for being subhuman but also a chosen people. To conspiracists, conspiracy theories are “self-sealing,” meaning any attempt to dispel the theory with logic will serve as evidence to the conspiracist of the theory’s existence.

Many conspiracy theories are rooted in the antisemitic myth that Jews are the “hidden hand,” plotting to take over and Figure C3
An antisemitic conspiracy
involving the 9/11 terrorist
attack was spray-painted on
a landmark rock at the
University of Tennessee in
September 2019.

Referencing rumor of
celebrations following 9/11
Figure C2
A tweet shared in July 2011.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 6 control the world (see control). This trope was central in the rise of Nazism and is still present today.

Other conspiracies allege Jews are behind their own hate crimes, such as the “false flag” theories, and even go as far as to say the Holocaust was a hoax created by Jews to gain sympathy (see Holocaust denial).
control
theme \ kən'trōl \
: power or authority to guide or manage
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

False reports that claim Jews control the media, banks, and governments are part of a longstanding conspiracy of secret Jewish power. This antisemitic trope is rooted in the discredited publication, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which was published in Russian tsarist times and accused Jews of trying to control the world (see Protocols of the Elders of Zion).

These myths of control portray Jews as secret puppet
masters ruling over others and manipulating the world’s economies and governments (see Figure C4). For centuries, Jews were blamed for leading “blind” world leaders into wars and into debt to enrich themselves and further their own hidden agenda (see Figure C5).

Antisemitic propaganda continues to spread the idea that rich or influential Jews are behind the scenes furthering their plans of world domination.
cosmopolitan elite
Noun \ ,kazmə'palit(ə)n ‘i'lit \
: a phrase combining “cosmopolitan,” or representing many cultures, with “elite,” referring to the upper class of society WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“Cosmopolitan” and “elite” are terms that have separately incited antisemites across the political spectrum. Based on stereotypes of Jewish wealth and insularity, Jews have been accused of being part of an elite class for centuries. In the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, for instance, Jews were charged with being “rootless cosmopolitans” and fell victim to Stalin’s anti-cosmopolitan campaign where they were arrested and tortured. Today, “cosmopolitan elite” is a code word used by the far-right to accuse Jews and liberals of controlling America and/or being disloyal and unpatriotic by favoring internationalism over isolationism.

Figure C6
A tweet shared in September 2020.

Figure C4
An antisemitic meme posted
by the former head of the
Philadelphia NAACP to
Facebook in July 2020.

Figure C5
Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu as a dog leading
a blind U.S. President Donald
Trump published in The New
York Times, April 25, 2019.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 7 Figure C7
An antisemitic Facebook threat
received in December 2015 by
a victim of the San Bernardino
shooting one day prior.

Figure C8
An antisemitic cartoon shared
on Instagram in July 2018.

Antisemitic caricatures mocking
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
and Likud lawmakers
cowardice
noun \ 'kau(-ə)r-dəs \
: lack of bravery
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Evolving from the erroneous accusation that Jews lacked patriotism (see dual loyalty), in the aftermath of World War I, Jews were portrayed as cowardly and weak people
who actively evaded military service. According to this trope, Jews’ inherent cowardice and disloyalty made them responsible for national defeats. The apparent Jewish
meekness in the face of the Holocaust (ignoring the many acts of bravery against overwhelming odds) even allowed antisemites to claim that Jews contributed to their own genocide (see Holocaust denial).
creatures
theme \ 'krē-chərs \
: animals, as distinct from human beings; fictional or
imaginary beings
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

A common form of coded antisemitism includes illustrations and images that depict Jews as vermin, tentacled creatures, reptilian men, and other “subhuman” monsters.

Antisemitic rhetoric that dehumanizes Jews laid the foundation for the Holocaust, used as rationale by the Nazis to treat them as creatures that needed to be exterminated. It appeared in Nazi literature and other propaganda to spread antisemitic tropes—including Jews as the overlords of global affairs, Jews controlling minds, Jews’ quest for world domination, and Jews as superior or elite masterminds (see New World Order).

More recently, antisemites such as Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan have referred to Jews as “termites” likening them to unwanted pests who multiply rapidly, take over, and destroy everything they touch.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 8 deadly exchange
theme \ 'dedli/ /iks'CHānj \
: suggesting Israel is responsible for American police brutality due to training programs between U.S. and Israeli police forces WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The deadly exchange trope directly compares U.S. police actions against Black Americans with the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) treatment of Palestinians. Believers in the “deadly exchange” allege “worst practices” are shared
[between U.S. and Israeli armed forces] to promote and
extend discriminatory and repressive policing practices that already exist in both countries, including racial profiling, massive spying and surveillance, deportation and detention, and attacks on human rights defenders.”
Users of this trope argue Israeli and U.S. law enforcement exchange security practices and ideologies to purposely target people of color. This false equivalence appeared in demonstrations in the summer of 2020 when protesters
chanted “Israel, we know you, you murder children, too" (see blood libel). This is categorically false. Accusing Israel or Zionists (see Zionists) of complicity in the murder of Black people is malicious, perpetuates antisemitism, and blames Jews for societal ills (see scapegoat).
deicide
noun \ 'di ə,said \
: the killing of a god
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Deicide is the charge that Jews bear eternal responsibility for the death of Jesus Christ. This claim is based on Matthew 27:24-25, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” also known as the blood curse. This verse (25) has led to more Jewish suffering than any other passage in the Christian Bible.

This source of antisemitism among Christians was only
refuted by the Catholic Church in 1965, with Nostra Aetate, the landmark document that rejected collective Jewish
responsibility for this crime. Protestant churches have also repudiated the deicide charge. Nevertheless, antisemites continue to use the charge that Jews killed Jesus to justify their anti-Jewish hatred. Additionally, the same wrongful accusation and imagery connected with Jews as Christ-killers has been recycled in the Middle East, often in the form of Jesus representing Palestinians who are “crucified” by the Israeli Defense Forces or the Israeli Government.

Recycled deicide charge
Figure D3
Boukhari, Arabia.com. April 7,
2002.

D
Implying Israel is responsible
for claims of American police
brutality and racism
Figure D2
A headline from March 2016
reporting on an antisemitic
chant that broke out during a
high school basketball game.

Figure D1
A cartoon shared on the official
Fatah Facebook page, May 2020.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 9 dual loyalty
noun \ 'd(y)oōəl 'loiəltē \
: loyalty to two separate interests that potentially conflict with each other, leading to a conflict of interest
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Dual loyalty is a bigoted trope used to cast Jews as the “other.” For example, it becomes antisemitic when an
American Jew’s connection to Israel is scrutinized to the point of questioning his or her trustworthiness or loyalty to the United States (see Figure D4). Dual loyalty accusations also occur on U.S. college campuses when Jewish students are asked to denounce the actions of the Israeli government in order to participate in progressive activities.

By accusing Jews of being disloyal citizens whose true allegiance is to Israel or a hidden Jewish agenda (see globalist), antisemites sow distrust and spread harmful ideas—like the belief that Jews are a traitorous “fifth column,” meaning they are undermining their country from within. The allegation of dual loyalty can also be aimed at non-Jews for what antisemites see as being “excessively loyal to Israel,” a criticism rarely leveled against friends and supporters of other countries (see Figure D5).

For centuries, these antisemitic accusations of disloyalty have led to the harassment, marginalization, oppression, and murder of Jewish people.
(((echo)))
symbol \ 'e-(,)kō \
: an antisemitic symbol used to highlight the names of Jewish individuals or organizations owned by Jews
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The (((echo))) is part of the coded antisemitism that occurs online (see Figure E1). Used by antisemites, neo-Nazis, and white nationalists, the triple parentheses are applied to Jewish names or topics to identify, mock, and harass Jews in a way that is difficult to find in search engines, yet hiding in plain sight.

While it originated on an antisemitic blog, the (((echo))) went mainstream with the creation of a now-removed Chrome
extension—called "Coincidence Detector"—that placed three sets of parentheses around the names of Jewish individuals, of which there were over 8,000 listed.

This symbol has opened yet another avenue for Jews to be targeted with antisemitic messages and even death threats— but it’s also given some Twitter users a chance to fight back by placing parentheses around their names in an act of
solidarity spearheaded by Yair Rosenberg (see Figure E2).

Figure E2
A tweet shared by Yair
Rosenberg in June 2016.

Figure D5
A tweet shared in February 2019.

Blaming Jews for all tragedies
Figure E1
A tweet shared in September
2016.

Referring to Jewish
victims of the Holocaust
E
Figure D4
Antisemitic flyer posted in Long
Branch, New Jersey, June 2018.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 10 “From the River to the Sea”
noun \‘fruhm ‘thə ‘RIVər ‘too ‘thə ‘si\
: the catch-all phrase symbolizing Palestinian control over the entire territory of Israel’s borders, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free” is a common call-to-arms for pro-Palestinian activists. It calls for the establishment of a State of Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, erasing the State of Israel and its people. It is also a rallying cry for terrorist groups and their sympathizers, from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) to Hamas, which called for Israel’s destruction in its original governing charter in 1988.

Sometimes the Palestinian flag emoji is used as shorthand for this phrase to spam social media posts related to Jews, whether having to do with Israel or not. There is of course nothing antisemitic about advocating for Palestinians to have their own state. However, calling for the elimination of the Jewish state, or suggesting that the Jews alone do not have the right to self-determination, is antisemitic.
globalist
noun \ 'glōbəlist \
: a person who advocates the interpretation or planning of economic and foreign policy in relation to events and developments throughout the world
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Much like dual loyalty, globalist is used to promote the antisemitic conspiracy that Jewish people do not have
allegiance to their countries of origin, like the United States, but to some worldwide order—like a global economy or
international political system—that will enhance their control over the world’s banks, governments, and media (see control).

The idea of a Jewish globalist was embedded in the
core ideology of Nazism. Hitler often portrayed Jews as “international elements” who “conduct their business
everywhere,” posing a threat to all people who are “bounded to their soil, to the Fatherland.”
Today, globalist is a coded word for Jews who are seen
as international elites conspiring to weaken or dismantle “Western” society using their international connections and Figure G1
A tweet shared in March 2018.

AntiSemitic Term
G
F
Figure F1
A poster from the Popular
Front for the Liberation of
Palestine terrorist group.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 11 control over big corporations (see New World Order)—all echoing the destructive theory that Jews hold greed and tribe above country.
“The Goyim Know”
meme \ t'hə 'g'i-əm 'nō \
: a catchphrase used to impersonate and mock Jews and the antisemitic conspiracy theories connected to them
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“The Goyim Know,” sometimes followed by “Shut It Down,” is a popular antisemitic meme based on conspiracy theories of manipulative Jews with plans of world domination and in control of the media, economy, and governments.

Typically paired with offensive images of a stereotypical Jew talking on a phone or holding a shocked expression (see Figure G2), this meme is widely used by white supremacists and other antisemites—on sites like 4chan and 8kun (formerly 8chan)—to mock a panicked Jew whose secret plot or manipulations have been revealed by non-Jewish people, or goyim.

While “goyim” is a term used by some Jews to refer to non- Jews, antisemites and white supremacists have weaponized the word to mock and accuse Jews of promoting a prejudiced support for their own clan.

As it spread online, “The Goyim Know” also made its way offline through an antisemitic song parody by the same name, as well as the phrase appearing on signs during the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Other manifestations of the far-right using “Goyim” to mock Jews are the Goyim Defense League (GDL) and GoyimTV.com (see Figure G4).
greed
theme \ 'grēd \
: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

As a foundation for the most constant antisemitic
falsehoods, the association of Jews with greed has fueled antisemitism throughout history and still affects Jews today.

In the Middle Ages—when Christians were forbidden by the Church to lend money for interest—money-lending, trade, and commerce were the few professions Jews were allowed to have. Jews were blamed for usury, or the act of charging high rates of interest, and this association led to stereotypes about Jewish greed and wealth. These accusations were
among the reasons listed by John Earnest, the white
Figure G2
An example of the popular
“The Goyim Know. Shut It
Down.” meme.

Figure G3
An example of the popular
“The Goyim Know” meme.

Figure G4
A sign with the phrase "The
Jews Want A Race War” was
hung from the heavily trafficked
Los Angeles interstate 405
highway overpass.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 12 supremacist who murdered a Jewish woman and injured
others in Poway, CA in 2019. From Shakespeare’s sinister Jewish caricature in The Merchant of Venice to Rothschild schemes of world domination (see Rothschild) to Nazi
propaganda on Jewish economic control, the antisemitic
trope of greed can be found in everything from pop culture to deep-web conspiracy theories.

The theme of greed in antisemitic rhetoric is so widespread that it’s led to a long list of Jewish stereotypes, including being excessively materialistic and money-oriented,
exploiting others for personal gain, being overly wealthy, and controlling the world’s finances (see Figure G5).

Holocough
meme \ hälə ‘käf \
: a call by the far-right to spread coronavirus to Jews to infect and kill them
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“Holocough” first emerged on white supremacist and neo- Nazi channels on alternative social media platforms as news of COVID-19 spread in the U.S. Far-right personality Milo Yiannopoulos used “Holocough” in a Telegram poll, and
the term further spread to Gab, a messaging platform with a large far-right and extremist base, after user Bjundabare created an image with the text, “If you have the bug, give a hug. Spread the flu to every Jew.”
The “Holocough” finds its roots in the historic practice of connecting Jews to sickness, providing antisemites with familiar tropes. In the 14th century, Jews in Europe were blamed for poisoning wells and causing the Bubonic plague, and thousands of Jews were murdered in response; in the 1890s, Jewish Americans were blamed for the tuberculosis outbreak in the U.S.; in the 1930s, Adolf Hitler compared Jews to bacteria and disease; and today we are again witnessing Jews being blamed for COVID-19 (see poisoning the well).

Ironically, the same people invoking the term #Holocough are often the same ones denying the scope and veracity of the Holocaust.

Figure H2
An antisemitic picture
created by Bjundabare on
Gab in April 2020.

H
Figure H1
A poll posted to Milo
Yiannopoulos’s Telegram page
in March 2020.

Figure G5
A tweet shared on August of
2019.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 13 Holocaust denial
theme \ hō-lə-,kost di-'nī(-ə)l \
: an attempt to negate the facts of the Nazi genocide of the Jewish people; a belief that the Holocaust did not happen or was greatly exaggerated
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Despite endless historical facts, Holocaust denial and
distortion spread the false idea that Jews invented or
exaggerated the Holocaust, including the diary of Anne
Frank, Nazism’s intent to massacre Jews, the use of gas chambers in concentration camps, and the murder of millions of Jews. Denying the Holocaust, including denying the scope or methods used by the Nazis and their allies during the Holocaust, is antisemitic.

The term “Holohoax” is a common term for Holocaust deniers across the political spectrum, who claim the Jewish people exaggerated or made up the Holocaust. The term appears
on dozens of Facebook groups of every political disposition, including extreme-right, anti-Zionist, conspiracy theory communities, pro-Palestinian groups, and more (see Figure H3).

And even when antisemites don’t deny the Holocaust, they have used it to attack Jews by accusing them of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust or by comparing its horrors by the Nazi regime to defensive actions taken by the State of Israel. Claiming that the State of Israel, home to the largest number of living Holocaust survivors, behaves like the
Nazis in its treatment of Palestinians is a personal attack on survivors and distorts the meaning of the Holocaust. Likening the Gaza Strip, governed by the terrorist organization
Hamas, to the Warsaw Ghetto, where Jews were confined
by the Nazis before being transported to death camps as part of the systematic massacre of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust, or comparing the Israeli Defense Forces to the Nazi army (Wehrmacht), is a form of Holocaust denial. There is no legitimate comparison between defending the State of Israel and ensuring the safety of its citizens to the systematic destruction and liquidation of an entire people.

Figure H3
A tweet shared in August 2020.

Figure H4
A tweet shared in October
2019.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 14 Illuminati
noun \ i-,lü-mə-'nä-tē \
: groups or persons claiming special religious enlightenment WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Historically, the Order of the Illuminati refers to a secret society founded in Bavaria by Adam Weishaupt in the late 18th to advocate for secularism. However, during the interwar period of the 20th century, fascist propaganda claimed the Illuminati were a subversive element which served Jewish elites who were behind global capitalism and Soviet communism (see Jewish capitalist, Jewish communist) and were plotting to create a New World Order (see New World Order).

This conspiratorial stance on the Illuminati, as well as its related conspiracy theory of Freemason-controlling Jews, are built on classic antisemitic themes, including the notion of Jewish control over the world, the meddling by Jews in global politics, and the Jewish plot for complete power over world governance (see control).

Jewish capitalist
noun \ 'joōiSH 'kapədləst \
: a person who supports the principles of capitalism, an economic and political system based on private or corporate ownership of production and profits as opposed to public or state ownership
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Jews have been accused of puppeteering the world economy for centuries, having been associated with money since the Middle Ages when commerce, trade, and other financial
industries were the only professions Jews were allowed
to have. As capitalism replaced other traditional forms of commerce, the association of Jews with money remained
(see greed).

While capitalism and communism are each terms that
describe an economic philosophy and worldview that have been embraced by millions of people and served to define the two adversaries of the Cold War which dominated the 20th century, when an adjective is added and the terms
become Jewish capitalist or Jewish communist (see Jewish communist), the meanings change.

Figure J2
Graffiti artist Mear One’s “Freedom
for Humanity” mural depicting white
male capitalists, several who are
Jewish (see Jewish features) as the
enemy of the good. London, 2012.

J
I
Figure I1
A headline referencing the New
World Order from February
2011.

Dollar triangle =
Illuminati triangle
Two triangles creating the Star of
David
“ASNOM” anagram for MASON
Figure J1
A tweet shared in October 2020.

The German Democratic
Republic (GDR ) was a
communist satellite state
of the Soviet Union and yet
Jews were blamed as enemy
capitalists.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 15 Blaming Jews as “greedy capitalists” or for being at fault for capitalism’s woes is a form of economic antisemitism.

Economic antisemitism is based on the alleged economic
status and financial behavior of Jews. It can also transcend into government policies which target Jews based on perceived economic practices.

Jewish communist
noun \ 'joōiSH 'kämyənəst \
: a person who supports the principles of communism, a
political and socio-economic ideology, in which all goods are publicly owned as opposed to privately or state owned, and social classes are eliminated
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“Jewish communism,” or “Judeo-Bolshevism,” is an antisemitic conspiracy theory that states Jews have been behind
communist revolutions around the world. Leon Trotsky was a political ideologue, who happened to be Jewish, who was personified by the Russian Czarist government as a symbol for Jewish Bolshevism (see Figure J4). Nazi Germany invoked the antisemitic “Judeo-Bolshevism” myth to blame Jews for Germany’s woes after World War I. While some Jews were
communists and fought in the Red Army during World War
II, labeling all Jews as communists is antisemitic. Another code word invoked is “Marxists,” after Karl Marx, who, despite being of Jewish descent, decried Judaism and blamed Jewish merchants for promoting capitalism.

Jew down
verb \ joō doun \
: antisemitic term for haggling or bargaining for a cheaper price
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Rooted in the false stereotype that Jews are cheap or
stingy, the phrase “Jew down” may seem to be a harmless expression that’s used in everyday vernacular. However, it is an insulting, antisemitic misrepresentation of Jewish behavior that plays into the trope of Jews as greedy money handlers who are unwilling to part with their earnings.

The common, mainstream use of antisemitic terms, like Jew down, plays a dangerous role in normalizing antisemitism and reinforcing conspiracy theories in the minds of antisemites.

Figure J5
A tweet shared in March 2015.

Term for non-Jew
Figure J4
1919 Russian Civil War
propaganda poster depicting
Jewish Bolshevik Leon Trotsky
(from Serhii Plokhy’s The Gates
of Europe).

Figure J3
A tweet shared in July 2018.
‘Marxists’ has often been used as a code
word for Jews and is antisemtiic when
Jews are blamed for communist oppression
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 16 Jewish features
theme \ 'joōiSH 'fēCHərs \
: antisemitic stereotypes that focus on physical features or characteristics
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Large curved noses. Curly or red hair. Horns. Dark eyes with drooping lids. Even though Jesus and all twelve of his disciples were Jewish, it is red-haired Judas who is purported to espouse Jewish values of greed and betrayal (see Judas, greed). From religious woodcuts to inflammatory publications in the medieval ages, Jewish features like curly or red hair and hooked noses were grotesquely drawn, fueling conspiracies that Jews are easily identifiable and subhuman.

The degradation of Jews through fictional facial stereotypes has been a staple theme in antisemitic propaganda used to portray Jews as subhuman or disfigured. Stereotypical Jewish features are still used today—from Internet memes to cartoons in top-tier news outlets—and they perpetuate the antisemitic notion that base motives are revealed in ugly features. In the 2020 Aalst Carnival theme, “UNESCO: Controlled by the Jews?” Jews are drawn as distorted, red-nosed, and with gold teeth, furthering the stereotype that Jews are malformed and associated with money (see Figure J6).

Anti-Zionists also use the common feature of Jews as “white” to attack Israel as a “white, colonial, settler” power, which ignores and disavows the identity of millions of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews of color living in America, Israel, and around the world.

Jewish figures
theme \ 'joōiSH 'fi-gyərs \
: the use of public Jewish figures to spread antisemitic ideas about Jews as an overall group
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Much like the age-old theme of blaming Jews for disasters across the world (see scapegoat), prominent Jewish figures are often the victim of antisemitic rhetoric that’s actually being pointed at all Jews.

By focusing attacks on a single person, antisemites create a coded language in which that person’s name or face becomes synonymous with dangerous antisemitic conspiracies or
tropes. These can include everything from a Jewish plan for world domination to a Jewish puppet master who manipulates international events and creates social conflict for his own gain.

Modern examples of this include rumors that George
Soros—a Hungarian-American of Jewish descent and well-
known billionaire—is paying members of a migrant “caravan” Figure J7
A tweet shared in January 2018.

Figure J6
The 2020 Aalst Carnival theme:
“UNESCO: Controlled by the
Jews?”
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 17 to march on U.S. borders (see Soros). Or when Harvey Weinstein’s history of sexual abuse is somehow linked to his Jewish identity, spreading the antisemitic trope of “Jewish sexual perversion.”
The Rothschilds, another prominent Jewish family, have even been blamed for bad weather, natural disasters, and creating “the concept of climate change” (see Rothschild, Figure J7).

Jewish lightning
theme \ 'joōiSH 'lītniNG \
: a derogatory phrase describing the act of burning down a home or institution in order to collect the insurance money WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“Jewish lightning,” like “Jew down,” is a phrase rooted in Jewish stereotypes of stinginess and greed (see greed). The faulty reasoning argues that because Jews love money and are unwilling to spend it, they will commit insurance fraud.

Whether directed at Jews or non-Jews (this term is also referred to as “Greek lightning” or “Irish lightning” depending on the area), it is an ethnic slur that should be condemned.

Jewish lobby
theme \ 'joōiSH 'läbē \
: Jewish interest groups that engage in lobbying to seek influence on a particular issue
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Lobbying groups by definition use their money to support specific causes. Individual Jewish groups use money through contributions, including campaign contributions, to draw support for various missions and causes, as do tens of
thousands of other American lobbies and interest groups.

There is no one “Jewish lobby” that speaks for the Jewish community. While some people use “Jewish Lobby” and
“Israel Lobby” interchangeably and have no antisemitic
intentions when saying “Jewish Lobby,” the phrase serves as a dog whistle for those who believe Jews control politics (see control). When “Jewish Lobby” is purposefully invoked to describe Jewish control of Washington, then that is antisemitic.

Figure J8
A tweet shared in June 2020.

Jews blamed for the
2019 Notre Dame fire
Figure J9
A tweet shared in August 2020.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 18 Judas/30 pieces of silver
person, theme \ joōDUS/ 'THərdē pēses ‘äv 'silvər \
: in the Christian Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’s 12 disciples, received 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus to the religious authorities.

Although Jesus and all 12 disciples were Jews, the Western world—through art, literature, music, and tradition—chose to depict Judas as the Jew who sold out his Savior for money.

Thus, the name Judas became synonymous with traitor,
contributing to the persecution of Jewish communities for two millennia. This false and libelous narrative would feed into Hitler’s propaganda and the Holocaust.

Khazars
people \ kə'zär \
: a people once existing as a nation in the Caucasus and southeastern Russia
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

In the 6th century CE, the Khazars—an obscure warlike tribe in Turkistan [present day Kazakhstan]—fought for land that was ultimately overtaken by Southern Russia and Ukraine.

Despite the decline in population and territorial defeat, the Khazars continued to be mentioned throughout history—
especially as one of the first groups to adopt Judaism.

By the 8th or 9th century, antisemitic conspiracy theories began forming around the Khazars’ reported conversion
to Judaism. This spurred antisemitic beliefs that they were building a secret empire which sought widespread control through financial gains (see Figure K1).

Given that the Khazars moved into and settled in Eastern Europe, antisemites push the conspiracy that Ashkenzai
Jews—Jews descending from Eastern Europe—are not “real
Jews” and are working to infiltrate other nations on their quest for world domination (see “not the real Jews”). The Khazar trope is also used to undermine the Jewish connection to Israel, and therefore Israel’s right to exist, because it falsely says Jews originated from the northern Caucasus region and were part of the Turkic empire—and not the Land of Israel (see Figure K2).

Figure K1
A social post from June 2019.

Figure K2
A tweet shared in February
2018.

K
Figure J10
A tweet shared in June 2020.

Antisemitic reference to
Judas and Jews as traitors
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 19 Kike
noun \ kīk \
: an offensive, derogatory term for a Jewish person
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Kike is an ethnic slur for a Jewish person. There are multiple theories about where the term might have emerged. One
popular theory is that it is derived from the Yiddish word for circle, “kikel,” a reference to how Jewish immigrants at Ellis Island signed their entry forms: a circle as opposed to an X, which Jews associated with the cross of Christianity.

Immigration officers described those who signed forms with a circle as “kikel,” eventually being shortened to “kike.” Kike is a highly offensive term used to insult and denigrate people of Jewish faith or ethnicity that is widely considered to be a form of hate speech.
kosher tax
conspiracy \ 'kō-shər 'taks \
: the idea that food companies and consumers are forced to pay money to support the Jewish religion or Zionist causes and Israel through the costs of kosher certification
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Many Jews adhere to religious dietary restrictions, which govern the slaughter of animals and the ingredients and production of various foodstuffs. To assist them, these products are usually marked with a symbol attesting to the fact that they are kosher, such as
and
.

The kosher tax conspiracy theory states that this kosher certification of products is an extra tax collected from unwitting consumers for the benefit of Jewish organizations. It is mainly spread by antisemitic and white supremacist groups, who claim this to be a “Kosher tax” (or “Jewish tax”) that is “extorted” from food companies wishing to avoid a boycott and used to support Zionist causes or the State of Israel.

Figure K5
A sticker circulated by
antisemites to be placed on
kosher items in stores.

Figure K3
Figure K4
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 20 New World Order
conspiracy \ 'nü 'wər(-ə)ld 'or-dər \
: the conspiracy of a small group of powerful individuals working in secret to establish all-powerful control
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The New World Order conspiracy theory becomes antisemitic when it’s followed by a reference to a Jewish business leader or political official with a secret agenda who’s seeking global control.

A widely-used conspiracy theory made popular in the 20th century, the term centers on a cabal of world leaders using the global stage to create an almighty, totalitarian regime that strips people of their individual liberties and consolidates power at the very top (see cabal).

The conspiracy theory behind the New World Order involving Jewish leaders is based on the idea that Jews have formed a power structure in which they control every aspect of humankind—the economy, media, and political landscape (see control).
“not the real Jews”
theme \ nät thə ‘rē(ə)l joōs \
: a phrase claiming that Jews are not God’s chosen people as outlined in the Bible
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

While this phrase has been used by many throughout history, today it is most commonly used by Black supremacists
claiming Black people—not Jews—are the true chosen people of God. Black supremacy has roots in “Black Chosenness”— the belief that African Americans are the descendants of the twelve Hebrew tribes of Israel who settled across Africa after the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel and were eventually sold into slavery during the Atlantic slave trade.

Black supremacy argues that Black people are superior to all other races and that “white” Jews are imposters. Elements of Black supremacy can be found within the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, as well as within Nation of Islam under the leadership of Louis Farrakhan and his supporters. In the age of social media, some Black supremacists have co-opted the language of white supremacists when discussing Jews:
calling them “termites” and “bugs” with subhuman features (see creatures).

Figure N2
A tweet shared in September
2020.

Figure N3
An Instagram post shared in
April 2014
N
Figure N1
A tweet shared in October
2019.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 21 Some antisemites on both the right and left claim that Ashkenazi Jews are “fake Jews,” and that Israel is a “fake nation.” This accusation has been used historically and continues to be used by those who believe in the Khazar conspiracy theory dispelling the Jewish connection to Israel (see Khazar).
poisoning the well
trope \ 'poiz(ə)niNG thə wel \
: a smear tactic in which an opponent introduces negative information about their adversaries in order to discredit them.

The term derives from the ancient war tactic of poisoning an opponent’s water to diminish his strength
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
“Poisoning the well,” an accusation rooted in the 14th century Bubonic Plague, blames Jews for purposefully spreading
disease. As the Black Death spread across Europe, Jews were accused of spreading the infection through common drinking wells. Thousands of innocent Jews were murdered in response.

This trope can be found on all sides of the political spectrum— from Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, which accused Jews of being “vermin” and spreading bacteria, to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s diatribes labeling Jews as “termites” also spreading disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jews
were blamed by alternative figures on various far-right fringe platforms for creating and/or purposefully spreading COVID-19.

This trope reached a more mainstream audience on the far-left, where political cartoons and statements were made saying Israel (or “Zionists”) created COVID-19 in order to hurt the Palestinians and/or profit off the vaccine.

Figure P2
An Instagram post shared in
July 2014.

P
Figure P1
Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu holding a piece of
bread for peace doves that he
is poisoning with liquid from
a bottle labeled "settlement
construction,” Stuttgarter
Zeitung, 2013.

Prime Minister Netanyahu
is depicted poisoning the
peace process
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 22 Protocols of the Elders of Zion
conspiracy \ 'prō-tə-,kol 'äv thə 'el-dər 'äv 'zī-ən \
: a fraudulent document attributed to the secret police of Tsarist Russia, first disseminated in the early 20th century and still circulated today, that serves as a pretext and rationale for antisemitism
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Protocols of the Elders of Zion—written by the Russian secret police in early 20th century—incorporates much of what we know to be classic antisemitic themes and supports the trope that Jews seek world domination, using their "invisible hand" to enslave the rest of mankind.

The book spun tales of a conspiracy that Jews were
collaborating clandestinely to use their international
influence in the media and economy to take over the world and encourage the downfall of societal norms through
communism, gambling, labor unions, and music.

Russian leadership used the Protocols of the Elders of Zion text to scapegoat Jews as the reason for widespread poverty and suffering (see scapegoat).

In the mid-1920s, Henry Ford brought this text to the United States and published excerpts alongside articles in The Dearborn Independent, a newspaper he owned. Through this effort, he propagated antisemitic falsehoods that Jews were using ideals of communism and their control over financial institutions to damage the U.S. economy and cause moral harm to the American people (see Jewish communist).

Today, Protocols of the Elders of Zion can still be found in translation across the world (see Figure P3)—including in many Arab nations where it’s sold as an authoritative text.

QAnon
conspiracy \ 'kyoo ən än \
: a loosely organized, far-right network of people who
believe the world is controlled by a satanic cabal of
pedophiles and cannibals, made up of politicians (mostly Democrats), mainstream media, journalists, and Hollywood entertainers. This cabal is accused of controlling a “deep- state” government whose purpose is to undermine and attack President Donald Trump and his supporters
Q
Figure Q1
Twitter account profile of
@Qanon76.

QANON'S MOTTO IS "WHERE WE GO ONE, WE GO
ALL" OFTEN WRITTEN AS WWG1WGA.

Figure P3
An Amazon listing for the
Protocols of the Learned Elders
of Zion paperback.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 23 WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish elites, globalists, and bankers are part and parcel of the QAnon belief system, and George Soros and the Rothschilds are consistent
targets (see Soros, Rothschild). The use of children in the conspiracy—the need to rescue children from the hands of the powerful globalists—harkens back to medieval blood libel accusations against Jews (see blood libel).

QAnon emerged in October 2017 when anonymous messages
appeared on 4chan, an online messaging board used by the far-right. “Q” refers to the top security clearance of the U.S.

Department of Energy, while “Anon” references the anonymity of the Q source. “Q” is believed to be a government insider, revealing secrets to his/her followers.

QAnon conspiracy theorists are waiting for the “Storm”—the mass arrest of people in power—and the Great Awakening, where everyone will realize the QAnon theory is the truth. In May 2019, the FBI identified QAnon as a potential domestic terrorist threat.

Rothschild
person \ rōt SHild \
: a wealthy Jewish family whose banking business dates back to the 18th century Holy Roman Empire
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The Rothschilds are a Jewish banking family who have been accused of secretly controlling the economy, manipulating the weather, and profiting from wars. “Rothschild” has become a generic term for greedy and manipulative Jewish billionaires (see Jewish figures, greed).

In the mid-19th century, French antisemite Georges Dairnvaell, under the pseudonym “Satan,” published a pamphlet alleging Nathan Rothschild witnessed France’s defeat in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and returned to London before the news broke to make 20 million francs on the stock exchange. All of this was false. Rothschild was not at Waterloo (or Belgium), nor did he profit from the battle. Despite being provably false, the Satan pamphlet was reprinted and translated into many languages. The Rothschild family (and by extension Jews) were blamed for economic crises and wars for the next 200 years.

R
Figure R1
An antisemitic cartoon
centered on the Rothschild
family, 2015.

Antisemitic cartoon depicting the
Rothschilds as a pig feeding countries’
intelligence services, including
Islamist terrorist groups.

Figure Q2
A tweet shared in 2020, using
QAnon slogan #WWG1WGA
(“Where we go one, we go all.”)
QAnon followers are encouraged to
become “digital soldiers” and take
an oath pledging support to the
cause. On July 4, 2020, Michael Flynn,
former National Security Advisor
to President Trump, posted a video
online of a small group, including
himself, taking this oath.”
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 24 Hitler’s propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, produced “Die Rothschilds Aktien auf Waterloo” in 1940 as part
of Nazi Germany’s antisemitic propaganda campaign.

Conspiracy theorists in Iraq recently blamed the Rothschilds for the COVID-19 pandemic. Louis Farrakhan’s speech, The Conspiracy of the International Bankers, claims the Rothschild banks are members of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which they are not.

The most malicious of conspiracies about the Rothschilds is that they orchestrated the Holocaust to gain sympathy for Jews in order to create the State of Israel (see Holocaust denial).

In January 2021, news broke that Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) had blamed “space lasers...beaming the sun’s power down to Earth,” funded by “Rothschild Inc.,” for California’s deadly wildfires in November 2018. It is yet another example of a baseless conspiracy that charges the Rothschilds for world events.

Satan
noun \ 'seit(ə)n \
: also known as the Devil, Satan is the Western personification of evil. Within Christianity, Satan is also referred to as the tempter, the ruler of demons, and the father of lies
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Referring to Jews as Satan or the devil stems from the
interpretation of John 8:41-44 in the Christian Bible. Here Jesus says to his fellow Jews, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does….

When [the devil] lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
In medieval Christian folklore and artwork, Jews were depicted with grotesque characteristics such as devil’s horns, sharp claws, jagged teeth, pointy ears, and other satanic features to portray the differences between Christianity and Judaism.

Today Jews, and the Jewish State, continue to be cast as Satan, demons, vampires, or other demonic figures. Like the deicide charge, antisemitic elements from Christian tradition have been recycled in the Muslim world (see deicide charge).

Israel is demonized and, like the devil, viewed as the “source of evil” in the world. The Islamic Republic of Iran openly calls for Israel’s destruction and refers to the country as the “Little Satan.” Louis Farrakhan has come under fire for ranting about “unmasking the satanic Jew and the synagogue of satan.” S
Figure S1
A cartoon shared in Qatari
newspaper al-Watan in July
2002.

The Star of David being used to make the
devil Jewish, with the face of former
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Figure S2
“The Pope,” al-Hayat al-Jadida,
March 22, 2000.

A Satanic-looking Jewish figure labeled
'Israeli Colonialism' replies to the Pope’s
words “May there be peace throughout
the Land,” with “May there be settlements
throughout the Land.”
Figure R2
A post on Marjorie Taylor
Greene’s Facebook page,
November 17, 2018.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 25 scapegoat
theme \ 'skāp-,gōt \
: one that bears the blame for others
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The story of the scapegoat is derived from the book of
Leviticus in the Torah, and is translated from the Hebrew word ‘ăzāzêl, meaning “absolute removal.” It is said that every year on Yom Kippur, collective grievances and sins are placed onto a physical goat that is sacrificed, as a symbol of the washing away and casting aside of wrongdoing.

Antisemites have been using Jews as “scapegoats” for
thousands of years, blaming them for deicide, the murder of Christ, and even the Bubonic plague in the Middle Ages (see deicide, Figure D2). Over the past several hundred years, antisemitism has slanderously assigned blame to Jews for world events such as Germany’s loss in World War I— giving rise to Hitler and the Holocaust—and even 9/11 and the financial crisis in 2008 due to the perceived control of financial institutions (see conspiracy theory, control). silencing
theme \ 'sīlənsiNG\
: prohibit or prevent from speaking
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

One of the longest standing antisemitic attacks leveled against Jews is the “silencing” of their opponents. The false claim that Jews deem any criticism of Israel or the Jewish people as antisemitic, and wield the power of the antisemitic label to silence the opposition, is offensive and dangerous for productive discourse. The idea of “silencing” speech plays into the commonly used trope of “Jewish control” with the false accusation that all discourse that criticizes the policies of Israel should cease to exist in order for the State of Israel to remain powerful.

It is yet another example of the nonsensical way in which Jews are both blamed for silencing their critics and accused of perpetrating hateful rhetoric by speaking out against them in order to gain sympathy.

Figure S4
A tweet shared in June 2014.

Figure S3
A tweet shared in April 2018.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 26 slavery / slave trade
noun \ ‘sleiv(ə)ri \ ‘slāv trād \
: the practice of owning slaves, people who are forced to work with little or no pay and are denied physical freedom or the opportunity to leave
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

The claim that Jews controlled or made up a significant portion of the Atlantic Slave Trade is false. The Council of the American Historical Association (AHA) “condemns as false any statement alleging that Jews played a disproportionate role in the exploitation of slave labor or in the Atlantic slave trade.” While some Jews with resources owned slaves, as did wealthy people of all backgrounds, it was by no means widespread within the Jewish community.

This trope has been spread by the far-right and far-left, from David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klan wizard, to Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI). The claim was popularized in Farrakhan’s 1991 publication The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews, Volume One, and has most recently resurfaced within segments of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement to prevent Jews from taking part in the protest movement.
smirking merchant
meme \ t'hə 'smərkiNG 'mər-chənt \
: an antisemitic cartoon portraying a Jew based on
stereotypes and tropes
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Visually, the smirking merchant cartoon, also known as the happy merchant meme, relies heavily on derogatory Jewish stereotypes—a large hooked nose, a scheming smirk and
pose, frizzy hair, and grimy beard (see Jewish features).

As the most popular antisemitic image online, the smirking merchant is also used to symbolize both traditional and modern-day tropes, including Jewish control over the world, Jewish greed, Holocaust denial, and a general blame for white supremacy hot topics like “race-mixing,” feminism, and the LGBTQ community.

While originally created as part of a racist and antisemitic cartoon, the smirking merchant joined other bigoted memes— e.g., antisemitic versions of trollface and Pepe the Frog—on popular, far-right sites like 4chan, 8kun (previously 8chan), and Gab.

Figure S6
Antisemitic Facebook
comment using the smirking
merchant meme.

Hooked
Nose

SIGNIFIES
GREED
EVIL,

SCHEMING
SMILE
Figure S5
A tweet shared in June 2020.

Claims that Jews made up the
majority of slave owners is
malicious and false.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 27 Soros
person \ ‘sORos \
: refers to Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor George Soros, a billionaire philanthropist, who was born Jewish, and
champions liberal and progressive causes
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

George Soros is vilified in some quarters of the world (and revered in others) for supporting progressive causes such as immigration and criminal justice reform. In the U.S., George Soros has been charged by the far-right with funding Black Lives Matter protests and migrant caravans to the southern U.S. border. He is also the namesake of the anti-migrant legislation in his native Hungary (the so-called “Stop Soros law,” which criminalizes aiding migrants).

Criticizing Soros or his politics and actions is not antisemitic.

Indeed, those who have suggested that any criticism is
antisemitic do real disservice to the cause of fighting Jew- hatred. However, when Soros is used as a symbol for Jewish control, wealth, and power, the criticism may be an updated version of traditional antisemitic tropes (see conspiracy theory, control, Jewish figures).

Unfortunately, hatred of George Soros has not remained
solely on the Internet. In October 2018, a far-right agitator sent a bomb to his house, as part of a string of bomb threats against prominent Democrats.
“Zionism is racism”
theme / 'zīə.nizəm iz 'rā,sizəm /
: refers to United Nations Resolution 3379 in 1975, in which the General Assembly linked Zionism and the State of Israel, to racism and racial discrimination. This was overturned in 1991 making it one of only two resolutions ever revoked by the UN WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Prior to 1948, Zionism was an aspiration—the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, founded by Theodore Herzl in the late 19th century, to re-establish a Jewish nation as a solution to the antisemitism Jews faced in Europe. After 1948 until today, Zionism became a reality: a homeland not only to persecuted European Jews, but Jews from all over the globe, including Jews fleeing persecution from the Soviet Union, the Arab world, Turkey, Iran, and Ethiopia, amongst others. Israel is one of the most diverse countries in the world with over half of its population being from Africa, India, and other areas of the Middle East. The vast majority of Jews around the world identify as Zionists, meaning they support the existence of Israel as a Jewish State in the historic Land of Israel.

Figure Z1
The Secretary of Iran's
Supreme National Security
Council claimed that racist
Zionism should be the most
concerned about "the collapse
of racist symbols." June 2020.

Connecting Zionism to racism
conveys that Jews do not have
a right to self-determination
Z
Figure S7
A tweet shared in Sept. 2020.

Figure S8
A tweet shared in March 2020.

Soros is often used as a
symbol of Jewish control
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 28 The Soviet Union led the effort to link Zionism to racism, basing their accusations on the notorious Protocols of the Elders of Zion and arguing that Judaism’s concept of “the chosen people” promoted racial superiority. This deliberate slur interpolated and distorted the real meaning of Judaism which explains the Jewish people are ‘chosen,’ or set apart, for special and burdensome religious and social obligations.

Other states from Cuba to the Arab world repeated these slurs and criticized Jews and Israel by using the phrase “Zionism is racism,” often taking the discrimination practiced historically against Jews as individuals and employing it against their collective identity.

Criticizing specific Israeli government policies as
discriminatory or racist is not antisemitic. However, saying “Zionism is racism,” a phrase which itself is a racist and religious distortion, conveys that the Jewish people—unlike all other people in the world—do not have a right to self- determination. The phrase also denigrates the Jewish State and belittles the diversity of Jewish life in Israel. Famed Soviet Nobel Peace Laureate Andrei Sakharov warned that this
resolution would “contribute to antisemitic tendencies in many countries by giving them the appearance of international legality.”
Zionist / “Zio”
noun / 'zīənəst / ‘zīō /
: a supporter of Zionism; a person who believes in the
development and protection of a Jewish nation in its historic homeland of Israel
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

Zionism is a movement and ideology to reestablish and
support the existence of a Jewish state in the Biblical Land of Israel. A Zionist is someone who supports Jews’ right to self-determination in their historic homeland and Israel’s right to exist. However, antisemites often use “Zionist” or “Zio” as shorthand for “Jew,” while many antisemites attempt to cloak their hate by claiming to be merely “anti-Zionists” (see Figure Z3). Notably, anti-Zionism—the belief that the Jewish people do not have the right to a national home in their ancestral homeland (e.g. that the State of Israel should not exist)—is itself widely believed by Jews to be a form of antisemitism.

Anti-Zionism can also spread antisemitic conspiracy
theories. For example, referring to Zionism and Judaism interchangeably blames Jewish people for the actions and policies of the State of Israel, which furthers conspiracy theories about control and world domination (see Figure Z2).

Figure Z3
A tweet shared in August 2020.

Figure Z2
A tweet shared in September
2019.

1. Labelling Jews as “the other”

2. Widely used
antisemitic conspiracies

3. Using Jews as a scapegoat
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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 29 Zionist Occupied Government (ZOG)
conspiracy /'zīə,nizt 'äkyə,pīd 'gəvər(n)mənt (zôg) /
: white supremacist belief declaring the U.S. government is controlled by Jews
WHY IT’S ANTISEMITIC:

ZOG is a white supremacist theory that believes Jews
(“Zionists”) secretly control Western politics (see conspiracy theory, control). The term first appeared in the 1970s in the U.S. and is found on white supremacist sites such as Aryan Nations and National Alliance. By manipulating Western
governments, antisemites claim ZOG controls the world
economy, limits free speech, confiscates land, and usurps military and police forces. The phrase “Zionist occupiers” is also used by antisemites on the far-left and by Islamists, seeking to destroy Israel.

Figure Z4
A tweet shared in August 2020.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 30 30
Defining Antisemitism
The purpose of Translate Hate is to provide visuals and explanations of the diversity of sources of contemporary antisemitism. Recognizing and defining antisemitism go
hand in hand. The tropes and themes referenced here are all encompassed within the authoritative International
Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, recommended by the European Council,
the European Parliament, the UN Secretary General,
the Organization of American States, and dozens of
governments around the world, including the United States.

To effectively fight antisemitism, we must define it. Here is the definition in full:

On 26 May 2016, the IHRA Plenary decided to adopt
the following non legally binding working definition of Antisemitism:

Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and
physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed
toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their
property, toward Jewish community institutions and
religious facilities.

To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations: Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.

Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
• Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
• Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or
stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective—such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews
controlling the media, economy, government or other
societal institutions.
• Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 31 • Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
• Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
• Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
• Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a state of Israel is a racist endeavor.
• Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
• Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
• Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
• Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).

Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property—such as buildings,
schools, places of worship and cemeteries—are selected
because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.

Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of
opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 32 How to Report Hate

REPORT HATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We can all play a role in reducing online hate. Don’t be silent when you see an instance of antisemitism or other forms of hatred on social media. Report it to the platform directly.

1. Tap options symbol (dots, arrow, carrot) on the post, profile, or comment.

2. Tap Report.

3. Select the reason (hateful conduct, hate speech,
inappropriate) as listed on the platform.

Not seeing what you’re looking for? Find more direct
information from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikT ok.

Help.twitter.com then click “Abuse” then “Report abusive behavior”
Facebook.com/Help then click “Policies and Reporting” then “Reporting Abuse”
Help.Instagram.com and search “Abuse and Spam”
Support.tiktok.com then click “Safety” then “Report a Problem” But what if the platform doesn’t take it down? We may not be able to remove all antisemitic posts, but we can and will have our voices heard. With every report, we shed light on antisemitic behavior—getting us a step closer to stopping it.

REPORT HATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Talk to Law Enforcement
Check www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/get-help-now for help on reporting hate crimes and incidents to your local police and the FBI.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN INCIDENTS OF HATE OCCUR
Report it.

Speak out and be an ally. Consider a prompt, public statement of condemnation to signal that online hate is unacceptable.

Use Translate Hate to explain why a post is antisemitic.

Hold the perpetrator accountable and demand a public
apology. Work to restore civility to the public discourse.

Reach out personally to those affected by online hate to show solidarity.

Participate in coalitions and educate others about antisemitism.

Advocate for measures that help reporting and prosecution of hate crimes.

Support funding for Jewish community security needs.

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American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | October 2021 33 Conclusion
While this glossary is by no means an exhaustive account of all the antisemitism present in our world, it captures the most commonly used tropes and conspiracies. After all, antisemitism is an ever-evolving threat, as are the most widely used tropes that help it spread. Antisemitism continues to pose a direct threat to democracy, democratic values, and human rights. It is a problem for Jews and—even more critically—for non-Jews to solve. Because antisemitism is a societal issue, our aim is to raise public awareness of common forms of antisemitism and elevate the debate on confronting this menace.

AJC.org/TranslateHate
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34 | American Jewish Committee | The Translate Hate Glossary | January 2021 Item 2
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City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Report #:2408-3337
TITLE
Approval of Minutes from August 5, 2024 Meeting

RECOMMENDATION
That the minutes be reviewed and approved.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: August 5, 2024 Draft Action Minutes
APPROVED BY:

Mahealani Ah Yun
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CITY COUNCIL

DRAFT ACTION MINUTES

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Regular Meeting
August 5, 2024
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 Council Member Tanaka Arrived at 5:32 P.M.

Present Remotely:

Absent:

Special Orders of the Day

1. Interview Candidates for Vacancies on Historic Resources Board

NO ACTION

Closed Session

2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS.

Authority: Government Code Section 54956.8.

Property: 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (Informally known as the Cubberley Site).

Negotiating Party: Palo Alto Unified School District.

City Negotiators: (Ed Shikada, Kiely Nose, Kristen O'Kane, Sunny Tong).

Subject of Negotiations: Purchase, Exchange, and/or Lease, Price and Terms of Payment MOTION: Council Member Veenker moved, seconded by Council Member Burt to go into Closed Session.

MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 6:16 P.M.

Council returned from Closed Session at 7:40 P.M.

Mayor Stone announced no reportable action.

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DRAFT ACTION MINUTES

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City Council Meeting
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Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions

Public Comment

Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements

Consent Calendar
Council Member Stone, Kou, Lythcott-Haims requested to Pull Agenda Item Number 5.

MOTION: Vice Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Veenker to approve Agenda Item Numbers 3-4, 6-7 and to pull off Consent Agenda Item 5.

MOTION PASSED 3-4, 6-7: 7-0

3. Approval of Minutes from June 17, 2024 and June 18, 2024 Meetings

4. Authorization to Execute an Amendment to Legal Services Contract S22183520 with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to Increase Amount by $150,000 for Total Not- to-Exceed Amount of $320,000 and to Extend the Term; CEQA Status – Not a Project.

5. PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI-JUDICIAL. Buena Vista Mobile Home Park Redevelopment/3980 El Camino Real [24PLN -00041; 24PLN -00129] Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to Subdivide One Existing 4.5 -acre Parcel into Two Parcels and to Approve a Streamlined Housing Development Review Application for a 61 -unit Apartment Building. The Project Also Includes 44 Mobile Homes, which are Regulated by the State, and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Amended Regulatory Agreements. Environmental Assessment: Exempt fro m the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In- fill Development). Zoning District:

RM-20.

6. Adoption of a Resolution Establishing Fiscal Year 2025 Property Tax Levy for General Obligation Bonds (Measure N Libraries); CEQA Status: Not a Project

7. SECOND READING: Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car- Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status - categorically exempt (FIRST READING: June 18, 2024 PASSED 7-0)

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City Council Meeting
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City Manager Comments
Ed Shikada, City Manager

Action Items

8. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Objections for Weed Abatement Assessments; and Adoption of Resolution Confirming the Weed Abatement Report and Ordering Abatement Costs to be a Special Assessment on the Properties Specified in the Report; CEQA status - categorically exempt.

MOTION: Mayor Stone moved, seconded by Council Member Burt to adopt a resolution confirming the report and ordering abatement costs to be a special assessment on the properties specified in the report (Attachment A).

MOTION PASSED: 7-0

9. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of a Resolution Implementing the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP), Amending the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Certifying the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, Including a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and FIRST READING: an Ordinance Adding Chapter 18.29 and Amending Chapters 18.14, 18.24, and 16.65 in the Palo Alto Municipal Code as well as Amendments to the Zoning District Map, and Rezoning of Parcels Within the NVCAP area. CEQA Status -- Supplemental Environmental Impact Report SCH #2023020691.

MOTION: Vice Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Mayor Stone to:

1. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) implementing the NVCAP and approving associated environmental work, including:
a. Certify the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) b. Make the findings required by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including a Statement of Overriding Considerations
c. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program d. Adopt the NVCAP and amend the 2030 Comprehensive Plan

2. Introduce an Ordinance (Attachment B) to:

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a. Adopt a new Chapter 18.29 (North Ventura (NV) District Regulations) in the Palo Alto Municipal Code and make other amendments to Title 18 (Zoning) to \ implement the NVCAP
b. Amend Chapter 16.65 (Citywide Affordable Housing Requirements) c. Amend the Zoning District Map and re-zone parcels within the NVCAP area

3. Direct staff to:

A) Amend the ordinance and NVCAP to require parking in compliance with PAMC

18.52 and 18.54 for areas beyond the boundary of AB 2097.

B) Amend the proposed ordinance section 18.29.100 to allow a nonconforming use to be discontinued for up to two years of instead of one year as set forth in PAMC

18.70. C) To the extent allowed by State Law require EV and ADA parking spaces within the NVCAP boundaries.

D) Apply a 15-foot setback from Park Boulevard on either side of the street.

MOTION PASSED: 6-1, Kou

10. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual 2024 Conference, to be held October 16-18, 2024, in Long Beach, California MOTION: Council Member Kou moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott- Haims to designate Council member Veenker to be the voting delegate and Council Member Kou as the alternate.

MOTION PASSED: 7-0

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 P.M.

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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.

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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Report #:2405-3109
TITLE
Approval of the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005 – 1007 Elwell Court

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute the Amendment No. 11 (Attachment B) to renew the lease for 1005 and 1007 Elwell Court to provide office space for the City of Palo Alto Utilities Engineering Division. The Eleventh (11th) Amendment will extend the current lease agreement for an additional three (3) years with an option to extend the term for an additional three (3) years at market rate.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Palo Alto currently leases from McCandless Limited approximately 16,157 square feet of space located at 1005 and 1007 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, California. The lease agreement has been amended several times over the past decade to extend the lease term and modify the square footage of the premises. The current lease will expire on August 31, 2024, necessitating an extension to accommodate the continuation of use by the Utilities Engineering staff.

The new Eleventh Amendment will extend the lease term for an additional three (3) years, commencing September 1, 2024, and terminating on August 31, 2027. The basic rent will be adjusted annually by three percent (3%), and the landlord will address various maintenance issues at their cost prior to the commencement of the Eleventh Extended Term.

BACKGROUND
On July 31, 1998, the City entered into a 10-year lease with McCandless Limited for 9,202 square feet of office space at 1007 Elwell Court. The purpose of the lease was to provide space for the relocation of the Utilities Engineering staff to address the over-crowded conditions in the Civic Center as described in CMR: 204:98. Since that time, the Council has approved several amendments to add additional space and to modify the lease to house additional staff including Item 4
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a citywide training conference room for computer-based training. The Utilities Department has been using the office space at the premises for its engineering and operation projects.

Attachment A provides a history of the lease and amendments. The lease has been amended ten times, with the last amendment dated October 20, 2021.

DISCUSSION
The premises at 1005 and 1007 Elwell Court are part of a building commonly known as 1001- 1007 Elwell Court. The current lease encompasses a total of 16,157 square feet, distributed as 9,202 square feet at 1007 Elwell Court and 6,955 square feet at 1005 Elwell Court. This space is utilized by the Utilities Engineering staff, who perform critical functions including the planning, design, and operation of utility services for the City of Palo Alto.

Staff is requesting a six-year lease extension at this time because ultimately staff is interested in relocating Utilities Engineering staff to a City-owned property (not identified at this point). Staff estimates that if a new site is identified and developed, it will take at least six years to negotiate, construct and develop a new office space for Utilities Engineering staff at the new location. This six-year lease extension should allow adequate time to determine if the City will proceed with the construction and development of a new utilities facility. The Public Works Department is continuing its space planning effort that started in FY 2022.

Basic Rent
The City is to pay monthly basic rent for the eleventh extended term starting at $3.67 per square foot with annual increase of 3% beginning September 1, 2024 as set forth below:

Period Sq. Ft Rate Rent Monthly Rent Annual
Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025 $3.67/SQF $59,344.19 $712,130.28 Sept. 1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026 $3.78/SQF $61,124.52 $733,494.24 Sept. 1, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2027 $3.90/SQF $62,958.25 $755,499.00

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
In addition to monthly basic rent, the City will reimburse for common area expenses, which in calendar year 2024 is estimated to be $12,695 per month or $152,340 annualized. Funding for the first year of the lease agreement, estimated at $864,470.28 (first year basic rent plus 2024 estimated common area expenses) is available in the FY 2025 Adopted Operating Budgets for the Electric Fund (43%), Fiber Fund (3%), Gas Fund (21%), Water Fund (18%), and Wastewater Collection Fund (15%). The lease cost is allocated by percentage of total engineering FTEs by utility. Funding for future years is subject to City Council approval through the annual budget process.

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Throughout the lease renewal process, extensive stakeholder engagement was conducted to ensure alignment with the needs and priorities of all parties involved. Key stakeholders included the Utilities Department and the landlord, McCandless Limited LLC.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Extending the lease for office space is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: History of Lease Amendments
Attachment B: 11th Amendment 1005-1007 Elwell Court
APPROVED BY:

Lauren Lai, Administrative Services Director
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Attachment A: History of Lease Amendments
Agreement* Agreement
Date
Term Square
Feet
Initial
Monthly
Rent
Initial
Annual
Rent
Key Terms
Original
Lease1
7/31/1998 9/1/1998 –
8/31/2008
9,202 $21,624.70 $259,496.40 1007 Elwell;
3% annual
increases
1st
Amendment2
4/1/2003 1003
Elwell:
4/1/2003 –
3/31/2005
14,894 1003
Elwell:
$7,115.00
1003 Elwell:
$85,380.00
Added 5,692
square feet at
1003 Elwell
for 2 years
2nd
Amendment
3/16/2005 1003
Elwell:
4/1/2005 –
9/30/2005
14,894 1003
Elwell:
$7,115.00
1003 Elwell:
$85,380.00
(Annualized)
Extend 1003
Elwell for 6
more months
3rd
Amendment3
10/1/2005 1003
Elwell:
10/1/2005
–
9/30/2006
14,894 1003
Elwell:
$7,328.45
1003 Elwell:
$87,941.40
Extend 1003
Elwell for 1
more year
4th
Amendment4
6/6/2006 1003
Elwell:
10/1/2006
–
8/31/2008
14,894 1003
Elwell:
$7,328.45
1003 Elwell:
$87,941.40
Lease 1003
Elwell for 23
more months
5th
Amendment5
5/17/2007 Term for
entire
space
extended
to
8/31/2013
16,157 $36,348.08;
9/1/2008:
$21,004.10
$436,176.96;
9/1/2008:
$252,049.20
Terminate
possession of
1003 Elwell
and add 6,955
square feet at
1005 Elwell.

Starting
9/1/2008,
reduced to
$1.30 per
1 City Council, July 13, 1998, CMR:307:98: https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=60834&repo=r- 704298fc&searchid=c347cd0d-e2e8-4cb1-a4ff-d42293a77ec9
2 City Council, March 10, 2003, CMR:165:03: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas- minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2003/cmr-165-03.pdf 3 City Council, September 19, 2005, CMR:362:05:
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=47164&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=d37d5072-a337-467f- abca-2cff0d0b16e0
4 City Council, June 5, 2006, CMR: 234:06: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2006/cmr234-06.pdf 5 City Council, May 14, 2007, CMR: 226:07: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas- minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2007/cmr-226-07.pdf Item 4
Attachment A - History of
Lease Amendments

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square foot
with annual
$0.05 per
square foot
increases
6th
Amendment
8/30/2013 9/1/2013 –
8/31/2015
16,157 $26,659.05 $319,908.60 City exercises
option to
extend.

Annual 3%
increases
7th
Amendment6
3/23/2015 9/1/2015 –
8/31/2018
16,157 $48,471.00 $581,652.00 Extend term
for 3 years + 3
year option.

2.5% annual
increases.
8th
Amendment
1/12/2018 9/1/2018 –
8/31/2021
16,157 $52,197.00 $626,364.00 Extend term
for 3 years + 3
year option.

2.5% annual
increases
9th
Amendment7
6/24/2021 9/1/2021 –
8/31/2024
16,157 $56,210.46 $674,525.52 Extend term
for 3 years.
$250,000 TIs.

2.5% annual
increases.
10th
Amendment
10/20/2021 9/1/2021 –
8/31/2024
16,157 $56,210.46 $674,525.52 Modify TI
provision.
11th
Amendment
Pending 9/1/2024 –
8/31/2027
16,157 $59,344.19 $712,130.28 Extend term
for 3 years + 3
year option.
*Link to staff report in footnotes if available.
6 City Council, March 23, 2015, ID # 5599: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2015/5599.pdf 7 City Council, June 21, 2021, ID # 12247: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2021/id-12247.pdf Item 4
Attachment A - History of
Lease Amendments

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ELEVENTH AMENDMENT TO STANDARD INDUSTRIAL LEASE

THIS ELEVENTH AMENDMENT TO STANDARD INDUSTRIAL LEASE
(hereinafter “Eleventh Amendment”) is made this ______________ (the “Effective Date”), by and between McCANDLESS LIMITED, LLC, a California limited liability company (“Landlord”) and THE CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California municipal corporation (“Tenant”).

RECITALS
This Eleventh Amendment is made with reference to the following facts:

A. Tenant currently leases from Landlord approximately sixteen thousand one hundred and fifty-seven (16,157) square feet of space located at 1005 and 1007 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, California (the “Premises”) pursuant to that certain lease dated as of July 31, 1998, that certain Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of April 1, 2003, that certain Second Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of March 16, 2005, that certain Third Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of September 20, 2005, that certain Fourth Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of June 6, 2006, that certain Fifth Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of May 16, 2007, that certain Sixth Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of August 30, 2013, that certain Seventh Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of March 23, 2015, that certain Eighth Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of January 12, 2018, that certain Ninth Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of June 24, 2021 and that certain Tenth Amendment to Standard Industrial Lease dated as of October 20, 2021 (the “Lease”). The 1005 Premises and the 1007 Premises are located in a building commonly known as 1001-1007 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, California (the “Project”).

B. The term expires on August 31, 2024 and Tenant wishes to extend the term of the Lease by three (3) years.

C. Tenant desires that Landlord, at Landlord’s cost, shall repair or replace the front door, address parking lot flooding in heavy rain, and service, repair or replace as needed the HVAC, plumbing and other systems within the Premises so they are in good condition and repair.

D. Landlord is willing to so amend the Lease subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Eleventh Amendment.

ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the above Recitals and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree as follows:

1. Incorporation of Recitals and Exhibits. The above Recitals are true and accurate and the Recitals are incorporated herein by reference.

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Amendment 1005-1007
Elwell Court

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MCJE\30288\512180.2-2-

2. Term. Commencing September 1, 2024, the term of the Lease respecting the Premises shall be extended for three (3) additional years until August 31, 2027. The period commencing on the September 1, 2024 and ending on August 31, 2027 shall be referred to herein as the “Eleventh Extended Term”.

3. Security Deposit. Landlord currently holds a cash security deposit provided by Tenant in the amount of Seven Thousand One Hundred Fifteen Dollars and 00/100 ($7,115.00) and no further deposit shall be required.

4. Basic Rent. Commencing on September 1, 2024, Landlord and Tenant agree that the monthly basic rent shall be adjusted from Fifty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Fifteen and 72/100 Dollars ($57,615.72) per month to Fifty-Nine Thousand Three Hundred and Forty-Four and 19/100 Dollars ($59,344.19) per month and shall increase by three percent (3%) each year as set forth below.

September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025 $59,344.19
September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 $61,124.52
September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027 $62,958.25

5. Landlord’s Repair Work. Landlord shall, prior to the commencement of the Eleventh Extended Term and at Landlord’s cost, (i) repair or replace the front door so that it not only functions properly but also that it functions properly in conjunction with that portion of Tenant’s security system, (ii) address parking lot flooding in heavy rain by scheduling annual cleaning of the storm drains prior to each raining season and (iii) employing Landlord’s regular subcontractors, troubleshoot, service, repair or replace to the extent needed the HVAC, ceiling, lighting, plumbing and electrical systems within the Premises so they are functional and in good operating condition and repair at the commencement of the Eleventh Extended Term.

6. Option to Extend Term. Landlord grants to Tenant the option to extend the term for one period of three (3) years (hereinafter the "Twelfth Extended Term") under all the provisions of this lease except for the amount of the basic rent. The basic rent for the extended term shall be adjusted to the market rate for comparable buildings in Palo Alto and the basic rent as so adjusted shall be adjusted annually by the market basic rent adjustment rate as provided below, provided that in no event shall the basic rent for the Twelfth Extended Term be less than the basic rent in effect at the expiration of the Eleventh Extended Term. This option is further subject to the following terms and conditions.
(a) Tenant must deliver its irrevocable written notice of Tenant's exercise of this option to Landlord not less than six (6) lease months, nor more than twelve (12) lease months, prior to the expiration of the Eleventh Extended Term. (b) The parties shall have thirty (30) days from the date Landlord receives Tenant's notice of exercise in which to agree on the amount constituting the basic rent.

If Landlord and Tenant agree on the amount of basic rent, they shall immediately execute an amendment to this lease setting forth the expiration date of the Twelfth Extended Term and the amount of the basic rent to be paid by Tenant during the Twelfth Extended Term, including the Item 4
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Amendment 1005-1007
Elwell Court

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annual adjustment period. If Landlord or Tenant are unable to agree on the amount of basic rent within such time period, then, at the request of either party, the market rate shall be determined by appraisal in the following manner: (1) within thirty (30) days of the request for such appraisal, Landlord and Tenant shall each select a licensed real estate broker with not less than five (5) years of experience in the business of commercial leasing of property of the same type and use, and in the same geographic area, as the Premises; (ii) within fifteen days of their appointment, such two real estate brokers shall select a third real estate broker similarly qualified; (iii) within thirty (30) days from the appointment of the third broker, the three brokers so selected shall, acting as a board of arbitrators, then appraise the Premises and determine the amount of the market rate, basing their determination on using standard procedures and tests normally employed in making such appraisals and applying the factors included within the definition of market rate set forth in subparagraph (c) below. The decision of the majority of said brokers shall be final and binding upon the parties hereto. If a majority of the brokers are unable to agree on the market rate within the stipulated period of time, the three brokers shall be added together and their total divided by three; the resulting quotient shall be the market rate. If, however, the low appraisal and/or the high appraisal are/is more than 15% lower and/or higher than the middle appraisal, the low appraisal and/or the high appraisal, as the case may be, shall be disregarded. If only one appraisal is disregarded, the remaining two appraisals shall be added together and their total divided by two and the resulting quotient shall be the market rate. If both the low appraisal and the high appraisal are disregarded as stated in this paragraph, the middle appraisal shall be the market rate. If a party does not appoint a broker within the required time period, the broker appointed by the other party shall be the sole broker and shall determine the market rate. If the two brokers appointed by the parties are unable to agree on the third broker, either of the parties to the lease, by giving ten (10) days' notice to the other party, can apply to the then county real estate board of the county in which the Premises are located, or to the presiding judge of the superior court of that county, for the selection of a third broker who meets the qualifications stated in this paragraph. Each party shall pay the expenses and charges of the broker appointed by it and the parties shall pay the expenses and charges of the third broker in equal shares. Basic rent for the first lease year of the Twelfth Extended Term shall be equal to the greater of the market rate as determined hereunder or basic rent charged for the last lease year of the prior term. When the basic rent has been so determined, Landlord and Tenant shall immediately execute an amendment to this lease stating the revised basic rent and adjustment provision for the Twelfth Extended Term.
(c) As used herein, the "market rate" shall be the monthly rent (triple net) then obtained for leases of comparable terms for premises in the Project and/or projects within the City of Palo Alto of similar type, identity, quality and location as the Project. (d) The basic rent for the Twelfth Extended Term, determined as provided above, shall be adjusted annually, commencing on the first day of the thirteenth month of the Twelfth Extended Term, by the market basic rent adjustment rate. As used herein, the "market basic rent adjustment rate" shall be the industry standard annual percentage rate adjustment to basic rent (triple net), if any, then obtained for leases of comparable terms for premises in the Project and/or projects within the City of Palo Alto of similar type, identity, quality and location as the Project.

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Amendment 1005-1007
Elwell Court

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MCJE\30288\512180.2-4-
(e) The extension rights herein described are personal to the original Tenant and may not be exercised by or for the benefit of any assignee or subtenant of the original Tenant. Tenant shall not assign or otherwise transfer this option or any interest therein and any attempt to do so shall render this option null and void. Tenant shall have no right to extend this term beyond the Twelfth Extended Term. If Tenant is in default under this lease at the date of delivery of Tenant's notice of exercise to Landlord, then such notice shall be of no effect and this lease shall expire at the end of the Eleventh Extended Term; if Tenant is in default under this lease at the last day of the Eleventh Extended Term, then Landlord may in its sole discretion elect to have Tenant's exercise of this option be of no effect, in which case this lease shall expire at the end of the Eleventh Extended Term.
(f) Tenant shall have no right to exercise the option to renew the term of this lease (i) during the time commencing from the date Landlord gives to Tenant a notice of default pursuant to Paragraph 20, above, and continuing until the noncompliance alleged in said notice of default is cured, or (ii) during the period of time commencing on the day after a monetary obligation to Landlord is due from Tenant and unpaid (without any necessity for notice thereof to Tenant) and continuing until the obligation is paid, or (iii) in the event that Landlord has given to Tenant two (2) or more notices of default under Paragraph 20, above, whether or not the defaults are cured, during the twenty four (24) month period of time immediately prior to the time that Tenant attempts to exercise the option to renew the lease, or (iv) if Tenant has committed any non-curable breach, or is otherwise in default of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this lease.
(g) The period of time within which the option to renew must be exercised shall not be renewed or enlarged by reason of Tenant's inability to exercise the option because of the provision of Paragraph 6(f), above.

7. Brokers. Each party represents that it has not had any dealings with any real estate broker, finder or other person with respect to this Eleventh Amendment, and that there are no leasing commissions to be paid by Landlord or Tenant in connection with this transaction.

Each party hereto shall hold harmless the other party from all damages, loss or liability resulting from any claims that may be asserted against the other party by any broker, finder or other person with whom such party has dealt, or purportedly has dealt, in connection with this transaction.

8. Warranty of Authority: Each signatory to this Eleventh Amendment represents that he or she possesses full authority to exercise this Eleventh Amendment and to bind the entity on whose behalf such signatory is signing.

9. Restatement of Other Lease Terms. Except as specifically modified herein, all other terms, covenants and conditions of the Lease, including Tenant’s obligation to pay common area charges, shall remain in full force and effect.

10. Capitalized Terms. Except as expressly provided in this Eleventh Amendment, all capitalized terms used in this Eleventh Amendment shall possess the same meaning ascribed to that term in the Lease.

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Amendment 1005-1007
Elwell Court

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MCJE\30288\512180.2-5-

11. Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between the Lease on the one hand and this Eleventh Amendment on the other, the terms of this Eleventh Amendment shall govern and control.

12. Counterparts. This Eleventh Amendment may be executed by electronic document signing service or in identical facsimile or e-mailed .pdf counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same legally binding instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Ninth Amendment as of the Effective Date.

LANDLORD: TENANT:

McCANDLESS LIMITED, LLC
a California limited liability company

THE CITY OF PALO ALTO,
a California municipal corporation
By:

Sandra M. Simons or
Jett A. McCandless, Managers
By:

City Manager
Approved as to form:

By:

City Attorney
By:

Director of Utilities
By:

Director of Administrative Services
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Elwell Court

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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Staff Report:2401-2510
TITLE
Recommend City Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, Amending the FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget Appropriation, and Amending Rate Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); CEQA Status: Not a Project Under Public Resources Code 15378(b)(5) and Exempt Under Public Resources Code 15273(a)

RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the Finance Committee recommend that City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A):
(1) Amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan which includes collecting funds via a gas price mitigation adder (Adder) to manage potential future short-term natural gas price spikes; (2) Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices; (3) Amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Appropriation for the Gas Supply Fund by:
a. Increasing the Net Sales Revenue by $1,200,000; and
b. Increasing the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve by $1,200,000; and (4) Amending Rate Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master- Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service) to include a gas price mitigation adder of 5.5 cents per therm within the Commodity Charge.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
If Staff’s recommendation is approved, it will take effect November 1, 2024. On June 4, 2024, the Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend City Council direct staff to apply a Item 5
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gas price mitigation adder of 5.5 cents per therm for a period of three years and transitioning from the current maximum Gas Commodity Charge of $4 per therm to a maximum Gas Commodity Charge of $3 per therm. On June 17, 2024, as part of the FY 2025 Proposed Budget process occurring in parallel with the development and discussions around the gas commodity price hedging program, City Council approved a 12.5% increase in Gas Utility rates for FY 2025.

City Council’s adoption of this proposed resolution would further increase Gas Utility rates.

The proposed amendments to the GULP Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan will provide a mechanism, adjusting gas rates to build reserve funding, for the City to mitigate the impact on customers and the Gas Utility of future short-term natural gas commodity price spikes, such as the one that occurred in the winter of 2022-2023.

The proposal recommended maintains the practice of basing gas commodity charges on the monthly market index, acknowledging that this inherently results in unpredictable volatility in cost for customers. The recommended gas price mitigation adder (Adder) to the Gas Commodity Charge will accumulate in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve. Funds in this reserve will be used to offset the impact of a gas market price spike above the maximum Gas Commodity Charge. Adoption of the proposed resolution will result in application of an Adder of 5.5 cents per therm (estimated 2.8% increase on an annual bill) for a three-year period to the Gas Commodity Charge, generating $4.5 million in revenues to be reserved for future short- term gas price spikes. Starting during the 2nd quarter in FY 2028, provided that sufficient funds have accumulated in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve, staff expects to seek City Council approval to lower the maximum Gas Commodity Charge from the current $4 per therm to $3 per therm.

The $4.5 million in reserved funds estimated to be collected in 3 years is expected to be sufficient to maintain the Commodity Charge at $3 per therm for a single month even if the gas market prices spike to as high as $4.20 per therm in that month.

BACKGROUND
The Shift to Market Price-Based Commodity Charges
In 2012, Resolution 92441 changed the gas purchasing strategy from one in which gas commodity rates2 changed about once per year to one in which a monthly market price-based charge was passed through to customers. In the 10 years prior to that change, the majority of Palo Alto’s natural gas needs were met through fixed-price gas purchases. This strategy succeeded in achieving relatively stable gas supply costs, and hence, relatively stable commodity rates. In times of declining market prices, however, Palo Alto’s costs and resulting commodity rates were higher than the market and higher than Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) rates which change on a monthly basis and generally mirror the market. City Council’s approval 1 Resolution 9244 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-clerk/resolutions/reso-9244.pdf 2 Gas Commodity Rates https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes- reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2011/id-2106-110111.pdf Item 5
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of monthly market price-based commodity rates reduced the need for financial reserves and reduced the need for staff resources to manage the gas portfolio.

Gas Commodity Price spike of Winter 2022-2023
During winter 2022-2023, natural gas prices rose dramatically across the western United States.

Entering that heating season, there was upward pressure on prices due to a confluence of factors including: (a) historically cold December temperatures, (b) unusually low regional gas storage levels, (c) constraints on the availability of natural gas supplies flowing into California, and (d) an increased reliance on natural gas in the electric power sector as a result of the ongoing drought’s impact on hydroelectric supplies. However, those fundamental market conditions alone did not explain the sudden and extreme increase in natural gas prices which is currently under investigation by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The preliminary timeline for these investigations to yield findings is in the spring of 2026.

Figure 1 shows the published gas market monthly indexes from November 2018 through May 2024 for the PG&E Citygate hub in Northern California, including the winter 2022-2023 price surge. January 2023 natural gas prices were five times greater than November 2022 prices. The PG&E Citygate hub is a delivery point for Palo Alto’s gas purchases and the index on which Palo Alto’s gas commodity rates are based.

Figure 1 – Gas Market Prices
When staff began to see signs of higher gas prices in late November and early December 2022, customers were informed through utility bill messaging, website notices, social media, email newsletters, and other community forums. Customers were encouraged to save energy to dampen the impact of rising prices on their utility bills.

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On December 19, 20223, City Council adopted Resolution 100904 which increased the maximum allowed Gas Commodity Charge from $2 per therm to $4 per therm. Because the January 2023 gas market monthly index of nearly $5 per therm exceeded the higher maximum Council- approved Gas Commodity Charge, the full cost of January gas was not recovered through rates; instead, about $1.84 million was withdrawn from the Gas Operations Reserve to cover the shortfall.

Recognizing the significant impact on customer bills, the City offered resources to customers including access to free home efficiency assessments and utility bill payment arrangements. In April 2023, City Council approved gas and electric (Staff Report 2303-1209)5 rebates of $2.4 million, funded by the City’s General Fund, to compensate residential customers for the high energy bills they experienced.

Capped-Price Winter Natural Gas Purchasing Strategy through October 2024 In response to the dramatic and unprecedented price spike, City Council approved a capped- price winter natural gas purchasing strategy in September 20236 for the gas year November 2023-October 2024 by adopting Resolution 101267. The Gas Commodity Charge continues to be based on a monthly market index price. The capped-price winter natural gas purchasing strategy involved purchasing price caps on the City’s cost of gas for December-February, limiting the price the City paid for gas to $2 per therm for a portion of City’s anticipated gas needs. The impact on customers of what is, in essence, an insurance policy to mitigate the potential for a repeat of high winter gas prices, was limited to a maximum 15 cents per therm (estimated 7.6% increase to annual bill) applied for 12 months to customer usage through the Gas Commodity Charge.

Within the cost constraints approved by City Council, staff was able to purchase $2 per therm price caps for about half of Palo Alto’s expected load for the months of December 2023, January 2024 and February 2024. The total cost of the price caps, or insurance, was $1.5 million. Spread out over the entire year, an adder of 5.5 cents per therm is currently applied to the Gas Commodity Charge through October 2024. This represents approximately $1.81 per month on a typical residential customer’s bill or an approximate 2.8% increase, not considering changes in the underlying commodity price, which is still based on a market index. The monthly market index price remained under $2 per therm for the December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024 months, so the City did not make use of the contracted price caps it had purchased.
3 December 19, 2022 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/Citys-Meeting-Agendas/Meeting- Agendas-and-Minutes
4 Resolution 10090 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-clerk/resolutions/resolutions- 1909-to-present/2022/reso-10090.pdf
5 Staff Report 2303-1209 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=1954&type=0 6 September 2023 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13026 7 Resolution 10126 https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=67825&repo=r-704298fc Item 5
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In addition to approving the capped-price winter natural gas purchasing strategy, City Council directed staff to explore other alternatives for managing potential commodity price spikes in the future.

ANALYSIS
On June 17, 2024, as part of the FY 2025 Proposed Budget process occurring in parallel with the development and discussions around the gas commodity price hedging program, City Council approved a 12.5% Gas Utility rate increase for FY 2025. Increases resulting from City Council adoption of this resolution will be in addition to those approved in June.

Establishing a New Strategy for Mitigating Short-term Gas Price Spikes Beginning November 2024 A gas price mitigation Adder is recommended to be included in the Gas Commodity Charge, maintaining the practice of purchasing gas based on a monthly market index price. The funds will accrue in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve and would be used to offset potential future short-term price spike impacts.

With a recommended Adder of 5.5 cents per therm (estimated 2.8% increase on an annual bill) starting November 2024, an estimated $1.5 million per year will accumulate each year with a total estimated balance of $4.5 million after three years (if no funds are withdrawn to mitigate short-term market price spikes in the interim). The proposed 5.5 cents per therm Adder is equivalent to the unit cost of the winter capped-price strategy, which will be fully recovered via Gas Utility rates by the end of October 2024.

Starting during the 2nd quarter of FY 2028, provided that sufficient funds have accumulated in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve, staff expects to seek City Council approval to reduce the customer maximum Gas Commodity Charge, lowering the price spike risk to the customer. If the funds have not been used for short-term price spikes in the interim, the maximum Gas Commodity Charge could be reduced from the current $4 per therm to $3 per therm during FY 2028.

Staff anticipates that as of November 2027, if no funds are withdrawn to mitigate price spikes, the rate mitigation adder will have raised $4.5 million. This would be enough to maintain the Gas Commodity Charge at $3 per therm for a single month even if market index prices increased to $4.20 per therm for that month. The highest price during the 2022-23 winter price spike was nearly $5 per therm.

At the end of three years during the 2nd quarter of FY 2028, which will be, staff will return to City Council with a recommendation to either continue, eliminate, or make changes to the Adder. Ultimately, the Adder would be included as part of the annual utility rate setting process.

Table 1 below illustrates the reduction of the maximum Gas Commodity Charge over three years as well as the maximum market index prices spikes and corresponding frequency of months (one, two, or three) protected against by the collected funds after one to six years, Item 5
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assuming no fund withdrawals to mitigate short-term market price spikes in the interim, and assuming the Adder is kept in place throughout the six-year period.

Table 1 – Gas Commodity Charges and Market Price Protection ($ per therm) Gas Commodity Charges are one part of the City’s monthly gas volumetric and service charges 8, which are listed in the City’s gas rate schedules and shown by month. If approved by City Council, the strategy will be implemented effective November 1, 2024. Proposed changes to the rate schedules approved by City Council in June 2024 are shown in Attachment A.

GULP Revisions
The September 20239 GULP update modified the purchasing strategy to include the capped- price winter natural gas purchases. The new strategy, if adopted, requires changes to GULP as shown in Table 1 below. While some other items also need updates, staff is not proposing changes other than those associated with the gas purchasing strategy at this time for the sake of simplicity. Administrative updates will be brought to City Council for consideration in a separate staff report.

Table 2 – Gas Utility Long-term Plan Revisions
GULP Current Proposed
Objective 1 Pass a market supply cost signal through to customers with measures to protect
against price spikes applied during winter
months.

Pass a market supply cost signal through to
customers with measures to mitigate the
impact of short-term natural gas market
price spikes.

Strategy 1 a. Purchasing natural gas at monthly and
daily market index prices;
b. Changing gas supply rates monthly to
reflect market prices; and
c. Purchasing physical capped-price gas for
some or all forecasted natural gas volumes
for December through February, provided
that the cost of the price caps results in no
more than a 15 cents per therm impact on
retail commodity gas rates
a. Purchasing natural gas at monthly and
daily market index prices;
b. Changing gas supply rates monthly to
reflect market prices;
c. Collecting funds in the Gas Rate
Stabilization Reserve to manage
potential short-term price spikes; and
d. Utilizing those funds if a short-term
natural gas market price spike occurs
8 Monthly gas volumetric and service charges https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/rates- schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf 9 September 2023 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13026 Max Gas Commodity ChargeMax Price Spike (1 Month) Max Price Spike (2 Months) Max Price Spike (3 Months)After Year 1 $4.00 $4.40 $4.20 $4.13After Year 2 $4.00 $4.80 $4.40 $4.27After Year 3 $3.00 $4.20 $3.60 $3.40After Year 4 $3.00 $4.60 $3.80 $3.53After Year 5 $3.00 $5.00 $4.00 $3.67After Year 6 $3.00 $5.40 $4.20 $3.80 Item 5
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GULP Current Proposed
Implementation
Plan Item 1
Implement market-based supply purchases
and commodity rates with measures to
protect against price spikes applied during
winter months by:
a. Developing a new purchasing plan to
be approved by the Director of
Utilities; and
b. Conducting customer communication
and outreach.

Implement market-based supply purchases
and commodity rates with measures to
protect against price spikes by:
a. Adding 5.5 cents per therm to the
Gas Commodity Charge from
November 2024 through October
2027; and
b. Conducting customer
communication and outreach.

Revisions to the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices Staff recommends modifying Section 7 (modifications highlighted below) in the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, which are the guidelines followed in the Utility’s financial planning process, to reflect the new reserve strategy. This proposed language is modified for clarity but not in substance compared to what the UAC and Finance Committee reviewed.

Section 7. Rate Stabilization Reserve
The Rate Stabilization Reserve is used to manage the trajectory of future year rate increases and mitigate the impact of short-term gas market price spikes. This reserve holds revenues derived from the gas price mitigation adder adopted by Council on August 19, 2024; additional funds may be added to the Rate Stabilization Reserve by action of the City Council and held to manage the trajectory of future year rate increases. Withdrawal of funds from the Rate Stabilization Reserve requires Council action. If there are funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve at the end of any fiscal year, any subsequent Gas Utility Financial Plan must result in the withdrawal of all funds from this Reserve by the end of the Financial Planning Period, with the exception that gas price mitigation adder revenues may be held in the Rate Stabilization Reserve until needed.

A gas price mitigation Adder is recommended to be included in the Gas Commodity Charge, maintaining the practice of purchasing gas based on a monthly market index price. The funds will accrue in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve and would be used to offset potential future short- term price spike impacts.

The Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, including the changes proposed, are included in Attachment A.

Fixed Price Purchases Alternative
An alternative to staff’s proposal is to purchase some portion of winter gas needs (winter is the most likely time period when a market price spike could occur) at fixed prices. The downside of this strategy is that the City’s cost of gas could deviate significantly from the market price, either higher or lower. This alternative would require structural changes in the way the Gas Commodity Charge is established for the months during which fixed-price purchases are included in the portfolio, as well as a significant amount of staff resources to implement.

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A second alternative is to continue the strategy of purchasing insurance against high market prices. The cost of that insurance varies, and the product is not commonly traded and is expected to be costly. Like familiar types of insurance, premiums are not refunded if the insurance is not used. The cost would occur every year and may or may not provide value to Palo Alto’s rate payers.

Return to Pass-through without Short-term Price and Cost Protection Another alternative is to return to the pre-2023 strategy. Customers will not be protected from short-term natural gas market price spikes. City Council may consider a higher maximum Gas Commodity Charge to protect the Gas Utility from costs greater than what may be recovered through rates.

Variations of Staff’s Recommendation
There are three variables embedded in staff’s recommendation which, if changed, yield different results. A higher Adder would result in more than the estimated $4.5 million collected over three years and vice versa. A longer period over which the Adder is applied results in more funds collected. A slower or more modest decrease in the maximum Gas Commodity Charge would provide less protection for the rate payers but more protection for the Gas Utility Operations Reserve. A combination of changes to the three variables offers an array of alternatives.

The table below summarizes the considerations for staff’s recommendation and the alternatives.

Table 3 – Summary of Staff Recommendation and Alternatives Alternative Description Consideration
Staff Recommendation
(self-insured)

5.5 cents per therm Adder; three years;
decrease max Commodity Charge to $3
per therm
Estimated $4.5 million reserve balance
Variation Higher/lower Adder Larger/smaller reserve balance = more or less price protection
Variation Longer/Shorter collection period Larger/smaller reserve balance = more or less price protection
Variation Leave max Commodity Charge
high/reduce max Commodity Charge
faster
More price protection for the Gas
Utility/more price protection for the
customer
Fixed-Price Purchases Purchase some fixed-price gas for the winter months
Commodity Charges will be higher or
lower than the market price and PG&E’s
rates
Capped Price Winter
Purchases (Insurance
from the market)
Replicate the winter 2023-2024 strategy Cost and availability of insurance is uncertain; cost is sunk whether
insurance is needed or not
Return to previous
strategy
Pass through market price with no price
mitigation
Customers pay market price in all
scenarios, may consider higher
maximum Commodity Charge

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FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Staff recommends City Council approval of a gas price mitigation Adder of 5.5 cents per therm to be applied to the Gas Commodity Charge effective November 1, 2024 for three years, which is estimated to result in the collection of $4.5 million. The Adder equates to an estimated increase of 2.8% on the median monthly residential customer bill; the estimated increase will be 3.0% for the winter bill months (November-March) and 2.4% for the summer bill months (April-October).

Staff also recommends increasing the net revenue in the Gas Supply Fund by $1.2 million to recognize the expected revenue in net sales. Based on the current pricing trends and forecasts, the FY 2025 Gas Supply Fund has sufficient budget for commodity purchases for the year. At midyear, should the forecast exceed the FY 2025 commodity budget, staff will request a budget adjustment at that time.

Table 3 shows the median monthly residential customer bill and the projected impact based on the 5.5 cents per therm Adder.

Table 3

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Initial Proposal
Staff’s initial proposal, before meeting with the UAC, included applying an Adder of 10.3 cents per therm (estimated 5.2% increase on an annual bill) for a four-year period to the Gas Commodity Charge, generating $11.3 million in customer revenues to be reserved for future price spikes, and gradually reducing the maximum Gas Commodity Charge from the current $4 per therm back to the historically typical level of $2 per therm, estimated to be done during FY 2029.

UAC Review and Alternatives
Staff presented their initial proposal to the UAC on May 1, 2024, seeking the UAC’s recommendation to City Council. The UAC unanimously approved a motion outlining their two preferred alternatives below with Commissioner Segal absent. The Commissioners expressed a preference for the 2nd alternative (higher maximum Gas Commodity Charge and no short-term price spike mitigation). The Commissioners also recommended City Council advise Staff to investigate options to protect low-income customers and expand price spike informational campaigns. The Commissioners discussed options for protecting low-income customers from gas price spikes by utilizing General Fund resources.

Median Monthly Residential Bill - Projected ImpactSeason Therms Bill Estimate Bill Increase $ Bill Increase %Winter (Nov-Mar) 54 99.80$ 2.97$ 3.0%Summer (Apr-Oct) 18 40.52$ 0.99$ 2.4%Annual 33 65.22$ 1.82$ 2.8% Item 5
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•UAC Alternative Scenario A: Maintain the maximum Gas Commodity Charge of $4 per therm with a $0.06 per therm Adder for three years, and for Staff to return to the UAC for review in two years.
•UAC Alternative Scenario B: Raise the maximum Gas Commodity Charge to $5 per therm with no Adder.

Finance Committee Review and Recommended Revised Proposal Recognizing the inherent tension among proposal variables, including but not limited to price stabilization, reserve stabilization, market price competitiveness, and maintaining the current practice of purchasing based on a monthly market index price, staff presented their original proposal along with the two UAC preferred alternatives to the Finance Committee on June 4, 2024. After discussing the proposals and variations of the options, the Finance Committee voted unanimously 3-0 to recommend to City Council application of a gas price mitigation Adder of 5.5 cents per therm for a period of three years and transitioning to a maximum Gas Commodity Charge of $3 per therm.

Public Outreach
If City Council adopts the proposed resolution, the City website will be updated to reflect the change in the Commodity Charge calculation in the Monthly Gas Volumetric and Service Charges10 document. In addition, customers will be notified via utility outbound communications and marketing updates.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
City Council’s approval of amendments to the Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan, amendments to the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, amendments to the FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget Appropriation, and amendments to the Commodity Charge Cost Component of gas rates schedules does not require California Environmental Quality Act review, since these actions do not meet the definition of a project under Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), because these are administrative governmental activities which will not cause a direct or indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore, no environmental assessment is required.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan, Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, FY2025 Gas Fund Budget, and Rates APPROVED BY:

Dean Batchelor, Director of Utilities
Staff: Jason Huang, Senior Resource Planner
10 Monthly Gas Volumetric and Service Charges https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/rates- schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf Item 5
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NOT YET APPROVED Attachment A

6056828C 1

Resolution No.

Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan Objectives, Strategies, and Implementation Plan, Amending the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, Amending the FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget Appropriation, and Amending Rate Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service)

R E C I T A L S

A. On March 7, 2011, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9151, approving the Gas Utility Long-term Plan Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan (the "Plan"), amended on April 23, 2012 via Resolution No. 9244 and on September 18, 2023 via Resolution No. 10126.

B. On May 1, 2024 staff presented the Utilities Advisory Commission and the Council information proposing a third amendment to Resolution No. 10126, to further amend the Plan to include a gas price mitigation strategy, which will collect funds to mitigate the impact of short-term gas price spikes on customer rates.

C. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the Council of the City of Palo Alto may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services, fees and charges.

D. On June 17, 2024, the Council adopted Resolution 10177 approving the Fiscal year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan including the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices.

E. Implementing the gas price mitigation strategy requires amending the FY 2025
Gas Fund Budget revenue by $1,200,000.

F. Implementing the gas price mitigation strategy requires amending the Commodity Charge cost component of the following Rate Schedules to include a gas price mitigation adder of 5.5 cents per therm within the Commodity Charge: G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service); attached and incorporated as Exhibits C through F to this Resolution.

The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:

SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves the amendments to the Gas Utility Long-term Plan Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan (GULP), attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A.

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6056828C 2

SECTION 2. The Council hereby approves the amendments to the Gas Utility Reserves Management Practices, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit B.

SECTION 3. Resolution No. 10126 is hereby amended in so far as the Plan, as amended, is hereby approved.

SECTION 4. The Council hereby approves amending the Fiscal Year 2025 budget appropriation for the Gas Fund by:

a. increasing Net Sales Revenue by $1,200,000; and
b. increasing the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve by $1,200,000.

SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate Schedule G-1 (Residential Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit C. Utility Rate Schedule G-1, as amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.

SECTION 6. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate Schedule G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit D. Utility Rate Schedule G-2, as amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.

SECTION 7. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate Schedule G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit E. Utility Rate Schedule G-3, as amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.

SECTION 8. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate Schedule G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated to this Resolution as Exhibit F. Utility Rate Schedule G-10, as amended, shall become effective November 1, 2024.

SECTION 9. The City Council finds as follows:

a. Revenues derived from the gas rates approved by this resolution do not exceed the funds required to provide gas service.

b. Revenues derived from the gas rates approved by this resolution shall not be used for any purpose other than providing gas service, and the purposes set forth in Article VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.

SECTION 10. The Council finds that the fees and charges adopted by this resolution are charges imposed for a specific government service or product provided directly to the payor that are not provided to those not charged, and do not exceed the reasonable costs to the City of providing the service or product.

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FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
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6056828C 3

SECTION 11. The Council finds that approving the changes to the FY 2024 Gas Fund budget appropriation and Plan does not meet the California Environmental Quality Act’s (CEQA) definition of a project under Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), because these actions are administrative governmental activities which will not cause a direct or indirect physical change in the environment. The Council finds that changing the Commodity Charge cost component of gas rates to meet operating expenses and financial reserve needs necessary to maintain service is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sec. 21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Sec. 15273(a). After reviewing the staff report and all attachments presented to Council, the Council incorporates these documents herein and finds that sufficient evidence has been presented setting forth with specificity the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption.

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

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Adopted April 23, 2012 via Resolution 9244 Exhibit A
Amended September 18, 2023 via Resolution 10126
Amended August 19, 2024 via Resolution XXXXX

Proposed Gas Utility Long‐term Plan (GULP)
Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan

GULP Objectives:

1. Market price transparency – Pass a market supply cost signal through to customers with measures to mitigate the impact of short‐term gas market price spikes.protect against price spikes applied during winter months.

2. Supply Cost Management – Lower delivered gas cost over the long term.

3. Energy Efficiency – Ensure the deployment of all feasible, reliable, cost‐effective energy efficiency measures.

4. Climate Protection – Reduce the carbon intensity of the gas portfolio in accordance with the Sustainability and Climate Protection Plan.

5. Parity with PG&E – At a reasonable cost, protect the City’s interests and maintain access to transportation on par with PG&E’s core customers.

GULP Strategies:

1. Pass a market supply cost signal through to customers with measures to mitigate the impact of short‐term gas market price spikes by: protect against price spikes applied during winter months by:
a. Purchasing natural gas at monthly and daily market index prices; b. Changing gas supply rates monthly to reflect market prices; and c. Collecting funds in the Gas Rate Stabilization Reserve to manage potential short‐ term price spikes; and
c.d. Utilizing those funds if a short‐term gas market price spike occursPurchasing physical capped‐price gas for some or all forecasted natural gas volumes for December through February, provided that the cost of the price caps results in no more than a 15 cents per therm impact on retail commodity gas rates.

2. Lower delivered gas cost over the long term by:
a. Acquiring pipeline assets that yield supply costs below market and meet operational needs;
b. Taking advantage of the City’s low cost of capital to acquire gas supply and assets; and
c. Optimizing existing assets.

3. Ensure the deployment of all feasible, reliable, cost‐effective energy efficiency measures by:
a. Developing a ten‐year gas efficiency plan every four years maintaining consistency with the electric energy efficiency goals update schedule; and b. Considering the impacts of electrification on gas demand.

4. Reduce the carbon intensity of the gas portfolio in accordance with the Climate Protection Plan by:
a. Terminating the PaloAltoGreen Gas program established by Resolution 9405; and b. Designing and implementing the Carbon Neutral Gas Plan to achieve carbon reduction with no more than a 10 cent per therm rate impact.

5. At a reasonable cost, protect the City’s interests and maintain access to transportation on par with PG&E’s core customers by:

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Adopted April 23, 2012 via Resolution 9244 Exhibit A
Amended September 18, 2023 via Resolution 10126
Amended August 19, 2024 via Resolution XXXXX
a. Participating in the regulatory and legislative arenas when the potential impact on the City is aligned with the cost to intervene and the probability of success; b. Negotiating with PG&E for fair access to transportation and storage; and c. Exploring potential joint action with other public agencies.

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GULP Implementation Plan:

1. Implement market‐based supply purchases and commodity rates with measures to mitigate the impact of short‐term gas market price spikes by:protect against price spikes applied during winter months by:
a. Adding 5.5 cents per therm to the Gas Commodity Charge from November 2024 through October 2027Developing a new purchasing plan to be approved by the Director of Utilities; and
b. Conducting customer communication and outreach.

2. Pursue below‐market assets available through the Gas Transportation and Storage Settlement by:
a. Evaluating the pipeline capacity reservation options available; and b. Contracting with PG&E for any pipeline capacity with an estimated cost below the forecasted market value.

3. Monitor the prepay market and prepare for implementation in preparation for a future MuniGas transaction.

4. Implement gas efficiency programs to meet the gas efficiency goals.

5. Track and report on gas efficiency by:
a. Providing quarterly updates to the UAC about the gas efficiency programs; and b. Providing annual updates to Council on gas efficiency achievements compared to the goals and overall cost effectiveness.

6. Continue evaluating new gas efficiency technologies and undertake pilot studies where appropriate.

7. Pursue potential modifications to the Carbon Neutral Gas Plan by:
a. Determining an acceptable premium, if any, to be paid for a local offset project if and when a certified project is identified; and
b. Investigating alternatives to offsets, including methods involving voter approval.

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Exhibit B

APPENDIX C: GAS UTILITY RESERVES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The following reserves management practices shall be used when developing the Gas Utility Financial Plan:

Section 1. Definitions
a) “Financial Planning Period” – The Financial Planning Period is the range of future fiscal years covered by the Financial Plan. For example, if the Financial Plan delivered in conjunction with the FY 2015 budget includes projections for FY 2015 to FY 2019, FY 2015 to FY 2019 would be the Financial Planning Period.
b) “Fund Balance” – As used in these Reserves Management Practices, Fund Balance refers to the Utility’s Unrestricted Net Assets.
c) “Net Assets” ‐ The Government Accounting Standards Board defines a Utility’s Net Assets as the difference between its assets and liabilities.
d) “Unrestricted Net Assets” ‐ The portion of the Utility’s Net Assets not invested in capital assets (net of related debt) or restricted for debt service or other restricted purposes.

Section 2. Supply Fund Reserves
The Gas Utility’s Supply Fund Balance is reserved for the following purposes:
a) For existing contracts, as described in Section 4 (Reserve for Commitments) b) For operating and capital budgets re‐appropriated from previous years, as described in Section 5 (Reserve for Re‐appropriations)

Section 3. Distribution Fund Reserves
a) For existing contracts, as described in Section 4 (Reserve for Commitments) b) For operating and capital budgets re‐appropriated from previous years, as described in Section 5 (Reserve for Re‐appropriations)
c) For cash flow management and contingencies related to the Gas Utility’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), as described in Section 6 (CIP Reserve) d) For rate stabilization, as described in Section 7 (Rate Stabilization Reserve) e) For operating contingencies, as described in Section 8 (Operations Reserve) f) For tracking unspent or unallocated revenues from the sale of carbon allowances freely allocated by the California Air Resources Board to the gas utility under the State’s Cap and Trade Program, as described in Section 11 (Cap and Trade Program Reserve) g) Any funds not included in the other reserves will be considered Unassigned Reserves and shall be returned to ratepayers or assigned a specific purpose as described in Section 9 (Unassigned Reserves)

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Exhibit B

Section 4. Reserve for Commitments
At the end of each fiscal year the Gas Supply Fund and Gas Distribution Fund Reserve for Commitments will be set to an amount equal to the total remaining spending authority for all contracts in force for the Wastewater Collection Utility at that time.

Section 5. Reserve for Reappropriations
At the end of each fiscal year the Gas Supply Fund and Gas Distribution Fund Reserve for Reappropriations will be set to an amount equal to the amount of all remaining capital and non‐capital budgets, if any, that will be re‐appropriated to the following fiscal year for each fund in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.28.090.

Section 6. CIP Reserve
The CIP Reserve is used to manage cash flow for capital projects and acts as a reserve for capital contingencies. Staff will manage the CIP Reserve according to the following practices:

The following guideline levels are set forth for the CIP Reserve. These guideline levels are calculated for each fiscal year of the Financial Planning Period based on the levels of CIP expense budgeted for that year.

Minimum Level 12 months of budgeted CIP expense
Maximum Level 24 months of budgeted CIP expense
a) Changes in Reserves: Staff is authorized to transfer funds between the CIP Reserve and the Reserve for Commitments when funds are added to or removed from the Reserve for Commitments as a result of a change in contractual commitments related to CIP projects.

Any other additions to or withdrawals from the CIP reserve require Council action. b) Minimum Level:
i) Funds held in the Reserve for Commitments may be counted as part of the CIP Reserve for the purpose of determining compliance with the CIP Reserve minimum guideline level.
ii) If, at the end of any fiscal year, the minimum guideline is not met, staff shall present a plan to the City Council to replenish the reserve. The plan shall be delivered by the end of the following fiscal year, and shall, at a minimum, result in the reserve reaching its minimum level by the end of the next fiscal year. For example, if the CIP Reserve is below its minimum level at the end of FY 2017, staff must present a plan by June 30, 2018 to return the reserve to its minimum level by June 30, 2019. In addition, staff may present, and the Council may adopt, an alternative plan that takes longer than one year to replenish the reserve, or that does so in a shorter period of time. c) Maximum Level: If, at any time, the CIP Reserve reaches its maximum level, no funds may be added to this reserve. If there are funds in this reserve in excess of the maximum level staff must propose to transfer these funds to another reserve or return them to ratepayers in the next Financial Plan. Staff may also seek Council approval to hold funds in this reserve in excess of the maximum level, if they are held for a specific future purpose related to the CIP.

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Gas Utility Long-term
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Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

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Exhibit B

Section 7. Rate Stabilization Reserve
The Rate Stabilization Reserve is used to manage the trajectory of future year rate increases and mitigate the impact of short‐term gas market price spikes. This reserve holds revenues derived from the gas price mitigation adder adopted by Council on August 19, 2024; additional fFunds may be added to the Rate Stabilization Reserve by action of the City Council. and held to manage the trajectory of future year rate increases. Withdrawal of funds from the Rate Stabilization Reserve requires Council action. If there are funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve at the end of any fiscal year, any subsequent Gas Utility Financial Plan must result in the withdrawal of all funds from this Reserve by the end of the Financial Planning Period, with the exception that gas price mitigation adder revenues may be held in the Rate Stabilization Reserve until needed.

Section 8. Operations Reserve
The Operations Reserve is used to manage normal variations in costs and as a reserve for contingencies. Any portion of the Gas Utility’s Fund Balance not included in the reserves described in Section 4‐Section 7 above will be included in the Operations Reserve unless this reserve has reached its maximum level as set forth in Section 8 d) below. Staff will manage the Operations Reserve according to the following practices:

a) The following guideline levels are set forth for the Operations Reserve. These guideline levels are calculated for each fiscal year of the Financial Planning Period based on the levels of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and commodity expense forecasted for that year in the Financial Plan.

Minimum Level 60 days of O&M and commodity expense
Target Level 90 days of O&M and commodity expense
Maximum Level 120 days of O&M and commodity expense
b) Minimum Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the funds remaining in the Operations Reserve are lower than the minimum level set forth above, staff shall present a plan to the City Council to replenish the reserve. The plan shall be delivered within six months of the end of the fiscal year, and shall, at a minimum, result in the reserve reaching its minimum level by the end of the following fiscal year. For example, if the Operations Reserve is below its minimum level at the end of FY 2014, staff must present a plan by December 31, 2014 to return the reserve to its minimum level by June 30, 2015. In addition, staff may present, and the Council may adopt, an alternative plan that takes longer than one year to replenish the reserve.
c) Target Level: If, at the end of any fiscal year, the Operations Reserve is higher or lower than the target level, any Financial Plan created for the Gas Utility shall be designed to return the Operations Reserve to its target level by the end of the forecast period. d) Maximum Level: If, at any time, the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, no funds may be added to this reserve. Any further increase in the Gas Utility’s Fund Balance shall be automatically included in the Unassigned Reserve described in Section 9, below.

Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
19 Packet Pg. 143 of 410

Exhibit B

Section 9. Unassigned Reserve
If the Operations Reserve reaches its maximum level, any further additions to the Gas Utility’s Fund Balance will be held in the Unassigned Reserve. If there are any funds in the Unassigned Reserve at the end of any fiscal year, the next Financial Plan presented to the City Council must include a plan to assign them to a specific purpose or return them to the Gas Utility ratepayers by the end of the first fiscal year of the next Financial Planning Period. For example, if there were funds in the Unassigned Reserves at the end of FY 2015, and the next Financial Planning Period is FY 2016 through FY 2020, the Financial Plan shall include a plan to return or assign any funds in the Unassigned Reserve by the end of FY 2016. Staff may present an alternative plan that retains these funds or returns them over a longer period of time.

Section 10. Intra‐Utility Transfers Between Supply and Distribution Funds

The Gas Utility records costs in two separate funds: the Gas Supply Fund and the Gas Distribution Fund. At the end of each fiscal year staff is authorized to transfer funds between the Gas Supply Fund
and Gas Distribution Fund if consistent with the purposes of the two reserves involved in the transfer and in order to balance gas utility reserves to avoid negative balances. For example, Gas Distribution revenues are needed to pay for certain supply‐ related costs such as administration of the Gas Supply Fund. Such transfers shall be included in the ordinance closing the budget for the fiscal year.

Section 11. Cap and Trade Program Reserve

This reserve holds revenues from the sale of carbon allowances freely allocated by the California Air Resources Board to the gas utility, under the State’s Cap and Trade Program.

Funds in this Reserve are managed in accordance with the City’s Policy on the Use of Freely Allocated Allowances under the State’s Cap and Trade Program (the Policy), adopted by Council Resolution 9487 in January 2015. At the end of each fiscal year, the Cap and Trade Program Reserve will be adjusted by the net of revenues and expenses associated with the Cap and Trade program.

Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
20 Packet Pg. 144 of 410

Exhibit C

RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-1-1 Sheet No G-1-1
dated 711-1-20243 Effective 117-1-2024
A. APPLICABILITY:

This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from City of Palo Alto Utilities:

1. Separately-metered single-family residential Customers;

2. Separately-metered multi-family residentia l Customers in multi-family residential facilities.

B. TERRITORY:

This schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.

C. UNBUNDLED RATES: Per Service

Monthly Service Charge: ...................................................................................................... .$ 16.93

Tier 1 Rates: Per Therm
Supply Charges:

1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) .......................................... $0.10-$4.00

2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge ............................................ $0.00-$0.25

3. Transportation Charge ................................................................. $0.00-$0.25

4. Carbon Offset Charge .................................................................. $0.00-$0.10

Distribution Charge:....................................................................................... $ 0.8229

Tier 2 Rates: (All usage over 100% of Tier 1)
Supply Charges:

1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) .......................................... $0.10-$4.00

2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge ............................................. $0.00-$0.25

3. Transportation Charge ................................................................. $0.00-$0.25

4. Carbon Offset Charge .................................................................. $0.00-$0.10

Distribution Charge:............................................................................................. $ 2.1043

Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
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Exhibit C

RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-1-2 Sheet No G-1-2
dated 711-1-20243 Effective 117-1-2024

D. SPECIAL NOTES:

1. Calculation of Cost Components

The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as calculated under Section C.

The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council- approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal purchase discount1, and $0.055 per therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural gas market price spikes2and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter natural gas purchases3.

The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.

The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse gases produced when Gas is burned. The Carbon Offset Charge will change in response to changing market conditions, changing sales volumes and the quantity of offsets purchased within the Council-approved per therm cap.

The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto, accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.

1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution XXXXX on August 19, 2024.
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.

Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
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Exhibit C

RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-1-3 Sheet No G-1-3
dated 711-1-20243 Effective 117-1-2024
The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current and historic per therm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4

2. Seasonal Rate Changes:

The Summer period is effective April 1 to Octo ber 31 and the Winter period is effective from November 1 to March 31. When the billing period includes use in both the Summer and the Winter periods, the usage will be pror ated based on the number of days in each seasonal period, and the charges based on the applicable rates for each period. For further discussion of bill calculation and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.

3. Calculation of Usage Tiers

Tier 1 natural gas usage shall be calculated and billed based upon a level of 0.667 therms per day during the Summer period and 2.0 th erms per day during the Winter period, rounded to the nearest whole therm, based on meter reading days of service. As an example, for a 30 day bill, the Tier 1 level would be 20 therms during the Summer period and 60 therms during the Winter period months. For further discussion of bill calculation and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.
{End}

4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/rates-schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas- volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf
Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
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Exhibit D

RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-2

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-2-1 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No G-2-1

A. APPLICABILITY:

This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from the City of Palo Alto Utilities:

1. Commercial Customers who use less than 250,000 therms per year at one site;

2. Master-metered residential Customers in multi-family residential facilities.

B. TERRITORY:

This schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.

C. UNBUNDLED RATES: Per Service

Monthly Service Charge: .....................................................................................................$ 156.90

Per Therm
Supply Charges:

1. Commodity (Monthly Mark et Based) ......................................... $0.10-$4.00

2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges ........................................... $0.00-$0.25

3. Transportation Charge ................................................................. $0.00-$0.25

4. Carbon Offset Charge .................................................................. $0.00-$0.10

Distribution Charge: .................................................................................................. $1.0809 D. SPECIAL NOTES:

1. Calculation of Cost Components

The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council- approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
24 Packet Pg. 148 of 410

Exhibit D

RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-2

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-2-2 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No G-2-2

purchase discount1, and $0.055 per therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural gas market price spikes2and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter natural gas purchases3.

The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, in cluding the cost of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Ga s Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.

The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto, accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.

The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current and historic per therm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website. 4 {End}

1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution XXXXX on August 19, 2024.
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service- charges-commercial.pdf
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Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
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Exhibit E

LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-3-1 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No G-3-1

A. APPLICABILITY:

This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from the City of Palo Alto Utilities:

1. Commercial Customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site;

2. Customers at City-owned generation facilities.

B. TERRITORY:

This schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.

C. UNBUNDLED RATES: Per Service

Monthly Service Charge: $ 717.89

Per Therm
Supply Charges:

1. Commodity (Monthly Ma rket Based) .................................................... $0.10-$4.00

2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges .................................................... $0.00-$0.25

3. Transportation Charge .......................................................................... $0.00-$0.25

4. Carbon Offset Charge ........................................................................... $0.00-$0.10

Distribution Charge: ............................................................................................................$ 1.0702

D. SPECIAL NOTES:

1. Calculation of Cost Components

The actual bill amount is calculated based on th e applicable rates in Section C above and adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcha rges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as calculated under Section C.

The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council- Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
26 Packet Pg. 150 of 410

Exhibit E

LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-3-2 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No G-3-2

approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal purchase discount1, and $0.055 per therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural gas market price spikes2and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter natural gas purchases3.

The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, in cluding the cost of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Ga s Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.

The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto, accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.

A qualifying Customer may request service under this schedule for more than one account or meter if the accounts are located on one site. A site consists of one or more contiguous parcels of land with no intervening public right-of- ways (e.g. streets).

3. Changing Rate Schedules

Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable City of Palo

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Exhibit E

LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-3-3 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No G-3-3

Alto full-service rate schedule.
{End}
Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
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Exhibit F

COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-10

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-10-1 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No. G-10-1

A. APPLICABILITY:

This schedule applies to the sale of Gas to th e City-owned compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the Municipal Service Center in Palo Alto.

B. TERRITORY:

Applies to the City’s CNG fueling station located at the Municipal Service Center in City of Palo Alto.

C. UNBUNDLED RATES: Per Service

Monthly Service Charge: .....................................................................................................$ 106.11

Per Therm
Supply Charges:

Commodity (Monthly Mark et Based) ................................................................ $0.10-$4.00 Cap and Trade Compliance Charges .................................................................. $0.00-$0.25 Transportation Charge ....................................................................................... $0.00-$0.25 Carbon Offset Charge ........................................................................................ $0.00-$0.10

Distribution Charge ..............................................................................................................$ 0.0175

D. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1. Calculation of Cost Components

1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.

Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
29 Packet Pg. 153 of 410

Exhibit F

COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS SERVICE

UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-10

CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council

Supersedes Sheet No G-10-2 Effective 117-1-2024
dated 711-1-20243 Sheet No. G-10-2

therm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural gas market price spikes2and a maximum $0.15/per therm cost for capped price winter natural gas purchases3.

The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge reflects the City’s cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge will change in response to changing market c onditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required.

The Transportation Charge is based on the curre nt PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto, accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.

The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges will fall within the minimum/maximum range set forth in Section C. Current and historic per therm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.
4 {End}

2 Adopted via Resolution XXXXX on August 19, 2024.
3 Adopted via Resolution 10126, on September 18, 2023.
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service- charges-commercial.pdf
Item 5
Attachment A -
Resolution Amending the
Gas Utility Long-term
Plan, Gas Utility Reserves
Management Practices,
FY2025 Gas Fund Budget,
and Rates

Item 5: Staff Report
Pg.
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: August 19, 2024
Report #:2406-3114
TITLE
CONSENT: Addition of Five Properties to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory Based on Owner Interest. CEQA Status: Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, the Historic Designation of Properties is not a Project Subject to Environmental Review.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the attached record of land use action (Attachment A) to add five properties meeting specified criteria to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory, based on expressed owner interest.

BACKGROUND
In early 2022, the Council had directed staff to review properties previously identified as being eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). The HRB’s recommendation supported listing 63 properties whose owners had not objected to listing on the local inventory and staff forwarded to Council only the 16 properties for which the owners had affirmatively expressed interest in being listed on the inventory prior to publication of the April 22, 2024 packet. Until a week before that Council packet, there were many owners who hadn’t responded; some owners did not respond because the reports to the Historic Resources Board stated over many months that if the owner didn’t object, their properties would be forwarded to the City Council for listing on the local inventory.

On April 22, 2024, Council:
•Placed 16 properties, whose owners expressed interest, on the City’s Historic Resource Inventory; the parcel reports now reflect these addresses as historic inventory properties.
•Directed staff to:
oContinue outreach to eligible property owners among the properties discussed in this report and to place future additions to the Historic Resources Inventory with expressed owner interest on the Consent Calendar, and
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oStudy the possibility of a process for removing the properties shown as potentially eligible in the parcel reports and return to Council with evaluations on any alternatives.

The week of July 22, 2024, staff again sent certified letters to owners of the remaining 32 properties the HRB had recommended for placement but for which staff had not received affirmation for inventory placement. A total of 17 certified cards were returned signed, four letters were returned to the City unsigned; the remaining 11 certified cards were unsigned/unreturned.

Owners of two properties had expressed confirmation of listing after publication of the staff report for Council’s April 22 meeting. The properties, at 211 Quarry Road (Hoover Pavilion) and 825 Kipling Street, are noted in Discussion below, and included in the attached Draft Record of Land Use Action (RLUA) for inventory placement. Three additional property owners, prompted by another round of certified letters, recently expressed affirmative interest in listing their properties. The addresses are 1215 Emerson Street, 904 Bryant, and 751 Channing Avenue.

These properties with expressed owner interest in listing are discussed below and included in the Draft RLUA.

DISCUSSION
The following is a summary of the properties proposed for nomination, the address, the local criterion met for designation, and a brief description supporting the recommendation:

1. 211 Quarry Road1 built in 1931, is recommended for placement on the local Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) as a Category 1 resource under local criteria 1, 2 and 52. The building is one in a series of Palo Alto municipal hospitals and is a late and rare surviving example of a hospital based on the pavilion plan and is significant as an Art Deco-style hospital designed by the important Oakland-based architecture firm Reed & Corbett. It is significant as a late and rare surviving example of a hospital based on the pavilion plan and was designed in the Art Deco style by the important Oakland firm of Reed and Corbett. It is also significant as an example of one of several Palo Alto municipal hospitals. 1 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 211 Quarry Road:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic- preservation/historic-inventory/quarryrd_211.pdf
2 Criterion 1 (The structure or site is identified with the lives of historic people or with important events in the city, state or nation); Criterion 2 (The structure is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life important to the city, state or nation); Criterion 5 (The architect or building was important).

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2. 825 Kipling Street3 built in 1898, is recommended for placement on the local HRI as a Category 2 resource under local criteria 2 and 6.4 The building is significant as one of the most elaborate early square cottages in Palo Alto that uses Queen Anne style detailing and is reminiscent of several typical pattern book designs of the late nineteenth century that used the diagonal projecting wing plan. The building illustrates the familiarity of local builders with the popular pattern book designs of the day.

3. 1215 Emerson Street5 built in 1917 and with a period of significance 1917 to 1936, is recommended for placement on the local HRI as a Category 2 resource under local criterion 1, for its association with Arthur Martin Cathcart, who was a local city council member and a Stanford University professor during his years of residence at the subject building. 1215 Emerson Street was his personal residence while he was known as a leader in the civic affairs of Palo Alto. Therefore, the building is sufficiently associated with the life and achievements of Arthur Cathcart as a civic leader. The building has a high level of integrity.

4. 904 Bryant Street6 built in 1904, is recommended for placement on the local HRI as a Category 2 under criteria 2 and 37, with a revised style description as a Colonial Revival style Foursquare, significant as an early and excellent example of the Colonial Revival style Foursquare constructed in Palo Alto in the early years of the twentieth century. Despite its relocation, the building retains a high level of historic integrity.

5. 751 Channing Avenue8 built in 1906, is recommended for placement on the local HRI as a Category 2 under criterion 2, significant as an early and well-built American Foursquare style building in Palo Alto, with notable Colonial Revival and Prairie influences. The building appears to retain a high level of integrity.
3 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 825 Kipling Street:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic- preservation/historic-inventory/kiplingst_825.pdf
4 Local criterion 6: The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship.
5 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 1215 Emerson Street https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic- preservation/historic-inventory/emersonstreet_1215.pdf
6 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 904 Bryant Street:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic- preservation/historic-inventory/bryantstreet_904-former-802-804.pdf 7 Criterion 3: The structure or site is an example of a type of building which was once common, but is now rare 8 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 751 Channing Avenue:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic- preservation/historic-inventory/channingave_751.pdf
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Further Outreach
Since April 22, staff has held conversations with several of the remaining 32 property owners who had not responded during the HRB process nor prior to the April 22 Council meeting. Staff sent final certified letters to these owners the week of July 22, to notify them of the August 19 Council consent calendar opportunity. The letter noted that if additional owners request placement of their property on the inventory prior to the publication of the packet, their property could be added to this second round of placements.

Parcel Report Notes
After the Council meeting on April 22, staff met with realtors who described their concern with the City’s parcel data (GIST Parcel Report) note showing properties as ’potentially eligible’ for California Register.

At its retreat on August 8, 2024, the HRB will have the opportunity to discuss the issue of Parcel Report notes. Staff provided a brief presentation during the Historic Resources Board meeting of July 11, 2024, reflecting an exploration into removing the potentially eligible label from parcel reports.

FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no resource impact related to adding the five additional properties to the local historic inventory. Regarding the parcel report relabeling this would not require Council action and staff could receive additional inquiries, but this is not estimated to impact resources. Planning staff can answer these questions during normal business hours.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Certified letters were sent in July to the property owners who had not responded to the prior certified letters, to alert them to the August Council consent calendar item.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Historic designation of properties is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines per Section 21065. Notably, historic resources do not need to be on a register to be protected under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) when a discretionary permit or approval is required. CEQA may, therefore, require reviewing a project for potential historic status even if it is not on the local historic inventory.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Record of Land Use Action with Exhibit for August 19, 2024 Inventory Update APPROVED BY:

Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director Item 6
Item 6 Staff Report

Item 6: Staff Report
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Page 1 of 5 ends

Palo Alto City CouncilAugust 19, 2024

Palo Alto City Council
August 19, 2024