September 8, 2025 www.paloalto.gov
CITY MANAGER
COMMENTS
www.PaloAlto.gov/BikePedCrossings
BIKE/PED CALTRAIN CROSSING FEEDBACK
Learn more at paloalto.gov/BikePedCrossings
• The City released eight preliminary rail crossing design alternatives and bicycle and pedestrian improvements in South Palo Alto, with the possibility to narrow and select two locations for new grade- separated bicycle and pedestrian pathways across the Caltrain railroad tracks.
• Opportunities to share input include a workshop at Mitchell Park Community Center tomorrow, September 9 andan online
survey closes this Friday, September 12.
• Community feedback will help the City compare options for further refinement and City Council consideration.
www.PaloAlto.gov/housing
UNHOUSED OUTREACH & SUPPORT UPDATE
• Downtown Streets Team has announced they are ending operations locally in the coming months. We are very sorry to see a non-profit partner operating for over 20 years to have to discontinue services in the community and staff are looking into options to maintain service continuity where feasible to minimize impacts.
• The Opportunity Service Center is closed due to water damage, impacting daytime services and staff operations. Staff are providing meals, hygiene kits, clothing, and mail in the field.
Showers, laundry, and lockers remain unavailable.
www.PaloAlto.gov/AnnualCommunitySurvey
ANNUAL COMMUNITY SURVEY OPEN TO ALL
Learn more at www.paloalto.gov/AnnualCommunitySurvey
• The Palo Alto Community Survey is a feedback loop that helps the City Council and staff understand community perspectives on services and programs, and unmet needs and priorities. • The annual survey was mailed to a random sample population of resident households at the beginning of August and as with previous years, the survey is now open citywide through October 3.
• Please consider sharing your perspectives online or use the printed survey if it was mailed to you.
www.PaloAlto.gov/TeenServices
TEEN RESOURCES, CONNECTIONS & WELLNESS
Find resources and more at www.paloalto.gov/TeenServices • Our community has an important role to play in supporting teens and making sure they know they have places to turn, people who care, and opportunities to connect in meaningful ways.
• A new update offers details on where to get help,ways to connect, and everyday practices that can strengthen resilience.
Upcoming ways to connect include:
• Gen-Z Hangout: Wednesdays in Sept.-Oct., 3:30-5 p.m. in Mitchell Park at the concrete bowl, organized in partnership with allcove and The Q Corner • The Drop, MP Teen Community Center open weekdays 3-6 p.m., extended Fridays until 8 p.m. • Library Author Talks: Sat. Sept. 20 Zach Rausch will discuss his book “The Anxious Generation:
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.” and Thurs.
Oct. 30, Dr. Lisa Damour will share insights from her bestseller “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents.” www.PaloAlto.gov/BCRecruit
CITY COMMISSIONS RECRUITMENT OPEN NOW
Learn more at www.paloalto.gov/BCRecruit
• The City is seeking volunteers on three commissions:
• Human Relations Commission (3)
• Parks and Recreation Commission (3)
• Public Art Commission
• Commission members play an important role in supporting the City Council and helping to inform their decision-making on a variety of community topics from community health and wellness, parks and recreation, to advising on art in public places, and enhancing inclusion for all.
• Deadline to apply is September 24.
www.PaloAlto.gov/GradeSeparation
RAIL GRADE SEPARATION ENGAGEMENT
Learn more at www.paloalto.gov/GradeSeparation
• Stay on track with the rail grade separation project as the Rail Committee reviews initial concept designs on September 16. • Community workshops will take place on September 30 at Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room. This is a recent date change-
• Meadow Drive & Charleston Road crossings 4 – 6 p.m.
• Churchill Avenue crossing 6 – 8 p.m.
• Refined concepts will be presented to the Rail Committee in November, with possible recommendations for Council
consideration by the end of the calendar year.
www.paloalto.gov/CouncilAgendas
NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS
SEPTEMBER 15
• Study Sessions: Managing Consultant
Services
• Zoning Code Amendment for De Minimus
Exceptions
• NCPA Battery Energy Storage Project
SEPTEMBER 29
• Annual CAO Evaluation Closed Sessions
• Study Session: Impacts of H.R. 1
No City Council meetings on September 22 or
October 13
OCTOBER 6
• Study Session: South Palo Alto Bike/Ped
Connectivity Concept Designs
• San Antonio Road Area Plan Existing
Conditions
• Building Code Updates
• Local Ballot Measures for the November 4,
2025 Ballot
OCTOBER 20
• Study Session: Cubberley Project
• Oversized Vehicles
SHARE INPUT & STAY INFORMED
City Manager Comments Survey:
PaloAlto.gov/citymanagerupdates
Gain Emergency Alerts & Other Updates:
PaloAlto.gov/connect
Sign Up for City Updates at:
PaloAlto.gov/NewsletterSignUp
City Calendar of Events and Meetings:
PaloAlto.gov/Calendar
www.PaloAlto.gov/connect