December 1, 2025 www.PaloAlto.gov
CITY MANAGER
COMMENTS
www.PaloAlto.gov/QuietZoneStudy
PALO ALTO AVE./ ALMA ST QUIET ZONE STATUS
• The City and Caltrain are implementing Council-approved Quiet Zone improvements at the Palo Alto Ave. and Alma St. intersection, noting construction began today, Dec. 1 through Dec. 9, with work hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Improvements include installing a median, road striping for bikes, and extending the protected left turn lane for bike crossings at the intersection.
• Northbound traffic will be detoured as needed, with flaggers and signage directing traffic.
For status updates on the implementation of quiet zones at all Palo Altotrain crossings, go to www.PaloAlto.gov/QuietZoneStudy
www.PaloAlto.gov/DecemberFestivities
HOLIDAY EVENTS & DECEMBER FESTIVITIES
Lytton Plaza Tree Lighting: Get ready to light up the night and kick off the holiday season at the City’s Lytton Plaza Tree Lighting event on Friday, December 5, 5:30 -7 p.m.
Cal Ave. Holiday Spectacular: Saturday, December 6, noon – 4 p.m. This event is sponsored by the City of Palo Alto, Cal Ave. businesses, and Chamber of Commerce.
Holiday Studio Art Sale: Find handmade gifts by local artists on Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Palo Alto Art Center.
Toy Drive Hosted by Community Services:Drop off new and unwrapped toys, books, gift cards and more at select City locations (fire stations, libraries and community centers) through December 14. All donations will go to local youth in need this holiday season.
Meowy Howlidays Hosted by Palo Alto Animal Control: Donate unopened pet food, treats, toys, and kitty litter and dog poop bags at select City locations through December 12. www.PaloAlto.gov/Calendar
CLIMATE ACTION WORKSHOP
• Join an upcoming workshop with the Council's Climate Action & Sustainability Committee and community members to discuss residential building electrification on Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the El Palo Alto Room of Mitchell Park Community Center. • Learn about the benefits of residential building electrification to support the City's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2030.
• Consider tradeoffs among electrification initiatives, help identify challenges, bring all community members into the conversation, and share input on where to focus.
www.PaloAlto.gov/FireStation4
FIRE STATION NO.4 GROUNDBREAKING SET
• Fire Station No. 4 groundbreaking is set for January 8 at 10 a.m. with some pre-construction activities
began today, December 1.
• The new fire station will include two drive-through
apparatus bays and a stand-by apparatus bay to
house an ambulance, fire engine, and a reserve
engine, and firefighter living quarters, Emergency
Operations Center, and more.
www.paloalto.gov/CouncilAgendas
NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS
DECEMBER 8
• Dark Skies /Outdoor Lighting Restrictions
Wednesday, DECEMBER 10 (Special Meeting)
• Rail Grade Separation (Staff Presentation, Public
Comment, Council Discussion)
DECEMBER 15
• Study Session: Cubberley Community Center
• 1680 Bryant Street Historic Building
• Rail Grade Separation (Council Discussion/Action
Only, No Public Comment)
Council break December 18 – January 4
JANUARY 5
• City Council Re-Organization
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PaloAlto.gov/Calendar
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