EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JULIE WEISS
UPON HER RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Julie Weiss joined the City of Palo in 1993 as an employee in the Zero Waste team, was promoted in 2000 as an Environmental Specialist in the City of Palo Alto’s Public Works Watershed Protection Program, to Policy and Public Education Manager in 2016, and ultimately to Watershed Protection Manager in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Julie developed the City’s Integrated Pest Management Policy, coordinated the City’s Integrated Pest Management, or IPM Program, and collaborated across City departments to reduce pesticide use and promote less-toxic alternatives which resulted in the California Department of Pesticide Regulation twice acknowledging the City of Palo Alto as an IPM Innovator; and
WHEREAS, Julie developed the City’s Green Purchasing Policy and efforts that aligned the City’s environmental policies and goals with its purchasing practices; and
WHEREAS, Julie expanded plastic reduction ordinances in 2013 and 2015 to eliminate single-use plastics bags, and plastic foam foodware at all retailers and food service establishments, elements of which were among the first in the nation; and WHEREAS, Julie managed the 2013 landscaping redesign at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant which improved the screening of the wastewater treatment plant, enhanced public access with improved paths and interpretive signs, and improved habitat and native plants; and
WHEREAS, Julie developed the City’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Policy, led the subsequent development of the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, and initiated early sea level rise adaptation planning efforts in collaboration with several City departments; and
WHEREAS, Julie actively participated in the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group and was instrumental in spearheading outreach to veterinarians and the community to reduce pesticides entering wastewater from flea and tick products; and
WHEREAS, Julie co-led and subsequently updated the City’s 2020 Tobacco Retail Permit Ordinance that aligned the City with Santa Clara County’s effort to prohibit the sale and distribution of all electronic cigarettes and flavored tobacco products to decrease tobacco-related litter, the number of people exposed to second-hand smoke, and the ability of youths to access tobacco products within the City; and
WHEREAS, Julie Weiss completed 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Palo Alto’s Environmental Services Division.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Vicki Veenker, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council do hereby recognize Julie Weiss for her years of dedicated service.
PRESENTED: June 8, 2026
APPROVED:
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Mayor Vicki Veenker
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Vice Mayor Greer Stone Councilmember Pat Burt
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Councilmember George Lu Councilmember Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Councilmember Keith Reckdahl
Councilmember Ed Lauing
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Manager City Attorney
Proclamation