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What's New

  • Storm Update: Wet, Windy, Cold Weather Through the Weekend Anticipated
  • Housing Element Public Comment Period Open Through April 15, 2024
  • Earth Month is the Perfect Time to Take Action
  • City Council Discussion on Caltrans Proposed El Camino Real Bike Lanes
  • Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan Active Community Engagement
  • Weekly City Manager Updates: April 1, 2024

Citywide Updates

Storm Update: Wet, Windy, Cold Weather Through the Weekend Anticipated

The National Weather Service forecasted the return of cold temperatures, rain, wind, and thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday this week. Rain showers within creek capacity with no risk of flooding. Expect cold overnight temperatures into the morning, with possible high elevation snow dusting or hail, please use caution due to icy roadways in higher elevations. An Inclement Weather Alert was announced by the County and the Overnight Warming Location (OWL) at the Downtown Library will be open 7p.m. – 7a.m. Learn more, sign up for alerts, and stay up to date at www.cityofpaloalto.org/StormUpdate.

Housing Element Public Comment Period Open Through April 15, 2024

The 2023-2031 Palo Alto Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on May 8, 2023, and since that time several actions were taken by the City Council and work completed by City staff and consultants to address comments received by the State. The revised 2023-2031 Housing Element is now available, and the public comment period is available through April 15, 2024. A joint City Council and Planning and Transportation Commission meeting is set for April 15 to receive additional public comment and consider adoption. Providing housing for all income levels is a focus for all Bay Area cities, including Palo Alto. The Housing Element offers a comprehensive strategy for the City to provide enough sites for safe, decent, and affordable housing in the community. Palo Alto has long been a leader in the production of affordable housing and currently has the second highest inventory of affordable housing for incorporated jurisdictions within Santa Clara County (as a percentage of total housing stock). Learn more about the 2023-2031 Revised Housing Element.

Earth Month is the Perfect Time to Take Action

Earth Day is Monday, April 22, but in Palo Alto, we celebrate the whole month of April! This Earth Month, embrace sustainability in all areas of your life. The new Planet Protection Pledge helps you take local action and learn about what you can do year-round to make a positive impact on the environment. In this community update, find local climate action inspiration and make a global impact this Earth Month and beyond.

City Council Discussion on Caltrans Proposed El Camino Real Bike Lanes

At their April 1 meeting, the City Council voted to have Caltrans return with added safety measures in the bike lane design based on the Safety System Approach Design following community engagement with businesses and residents to identify parking alternatives including modifications to our RPP program, Palo Alto Transportation Management Association, and coordinated efforts to accommodate RV dwellers focused on the possible removal of parking on El Camino Real to add bike lanes. Follow the discussions. The City sent a follow-up letter to Caltrans in response to recent meetings and questions from Caltrans staff regarding the outreach and notification plan from Caltrans to vehicle dwellers related to the Caltrans SR 82 / El Camino Real proposed addition of bike lanes.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan Active Community Engagement

The City is updating its Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update and is hosting a multi-day collaborative work session to engage community members. These activities will garner input to inform bicycle network development and pedestrian-oriented design recommendations. The sessions include a Bicycle Network Development Workshop on April 16, a downtown Walking Tour with Avenidas on April 17, and a Bicycle Ride Tour with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition on April 18. To attend, please RSVP to each.

Weekly City Manager Updates: April 1, 2024


City Manager Ed Shikada shares brief updates at each Council meeting. Find out more about recent SFPUC El Camino Real construction, April events & activities, progress and discussions on Palo Alto rail grade separation, and Palo Alto Link free teen rides. Plus, gain tentative upcoming Council discussions and actions summary.

Fire Station No. 4 Temporary Relocation Community Meeting


The City is hosting a meeting to share updates on the Fire Station 4 replacement project and answer questions about the temporary relocation of Fire Station No. 4 to the Cubberley Community Center on Thursday, April 11. The meeting will take place at Cubberley Community Center in the H-1 room, 7 – 8 p.m.

Be Well

Palo Alto Mediation Program: Struggling with a tough situation or conflict with a neighbor, tenant, landlord, co-worker, local business, or community organization? Don't fret! The Palo Alto Mediation Program is here to lend a helping hand. Their dedicated team is equipped to provide free, confidential, and unbiased mediation services specifically for Palo Alto and Stanford residents. Discover the support they offer by calling (650) 856-4062 or visiting paloaltomediation.com.


National Stress Awareness Month: Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. This April, recognize National Stress Awareness Month by evaluating your own stress levels and ways you might improve them.  


Recipe of the Week: Dessert for breakfast is always a fun idea. This baked carrot cake oatmeal is full of spices and can be made dairy-free. Try topping it with vanilla yogurt for extra protein.

Family Resources

Solar Eclipse: On Monday April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipse will be visible along a narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Visit NASA’s page for safety information and details about the eclipse.



Narcan Training Workshop: The Palo Alto City Library invites the community to a Narcan training workshop on Wednesday, April 10, 7 – 8 p.m. at Mitchell Park Library. The event is an opportunity to learn more about the opioid crisis and the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids, and receive training in the use of Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. After the presentation, participants will receive a free Narcan kit while supplies last.


Tenants' Rights Workshop: Learn from experienced tenants' rights attorneys and dedicated organizations about your rights as a tenant and what to do if those rights are being violated. The workshop at Mitchell Park Library on Saturday, April 13, 3 – 4:30 p.m. covers a wide variety of topics including rent increases, unsafe conditions, and discrimination.


Cash for College Webinars: Have questions about FAFSA or CADAA? Attend one of the California Student Aid Commission Statewide Cash for College Webinars. These webinars provide students and families information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA). There are multiple dates available April 9 through May 14.

Calendar & Careers

Join the Conversation & Connect


Compost Workshop

April 6 @ 10 a.m.


Narcan Training

April 10 @ 7 p.m.


Fire Station No. 4 Community Meeting April 11 @ 7 p.m.


Palopalooza

April 12 @ 6 p.m.


CASP Open Studios

April 13 @ 11 a.m.


Bicycle Network Development Workshop April 16 @ 6:30 p.m.


Downtown Walking Tour April 17 @ 1:30 p.m.


Cubberley Mural Meeting April 17 @ 6 p.m.


Bike Ride Tour Around Palo Alto

April 18 @ 5:30 p.m.


Palo Alto Earth Day Festival 

April 21 @ 1 p.m.


View all community events on the City Calendar

Find your Next Career with Us!



Communications Specialist


Electric Distribution Power Engineer


Engineer


Fleet Services Coordinator


Long Range Planning Manager


Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo


Police Officers


Public Safety Dispatcher


Summer Internship Program


Supervisor Inspection and Surveying


Water Quality Control Plant Electrician


Watershed Protection Project Manager


Find these jobs and more at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/Careers.

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