Weekly City Manager Updates: January 13, 2025
City Manager Ed Shikada shares brief updates at each Council meeting, highlighting details about upcoming events, City services, and City Council discussions planned. His comments are summarized through our Palo Alto Connect Medium.com series to catch up on City issues and gain the latest news.
Watch Ed share updates from the January 13, 2025 Council meeting.
Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — January 13, 2025
PALO ALTO FIRE DEPARTMENT DEPLOYMENT TO SOCAL FIRES
Our hearts are with those impacted by the devastating fires in LA County. We are proud to share Palo Alto Fire Department’s mutual aid efforts at the Palisades fire. Since January 8, our Engine 65 crew has been protecting communities in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and UCLA. A PAFD Engineer/Paramedic has been serving as a Fire Line Paramedic, providing critical care to civilians and first responders. Additionally, a PAFD firefighter joined FEMA’s Task Force 3, focusing on search and rescue operations. No injuries to our personnel have been reported.
For more information on our PAFD, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/fire
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY REMINDERS
Emergencies can occur at any time. Being prepared for emergencies is key to keeping yourself and your community safe. Stay informed about critical updates by signing up for emergency alerts, following the City’s news feeds and updates, subscribing to Police Everbridge/Nixle. Have an emergency plan at home, and emergency kits for your home, car and at work.
Sign-up for emergency alerts through AlertSCC at www.cityofpaloalto.org/alertscc
Stay informed at www.cityofpaloalto.org/connect
Find more resources at www.cityofpaloalto.org/beprepared
VOLUNTEER & CONNECT
Volunteer Opportunities
- Planning and Transportation Commission- The City is recruiting for three positions on the Planning and Transportation Commission. If you are passionate about innovation and community development in Palo Alto, consider applying. Applications close January 15, 2025.
Learn more & apply at www.cityofpaloalto.org/BCRecruit
- Point-In-Time Count- Each year, Santa Clara County takes one day to count people experiencing homelessness. This nationwide effort is key to federal and state funding for homelessness programs. Volunteers are needed for Palo Alto’s count on Thursday, January 23, 6–11 a.m. Sign-up by January 21.
Register to volunteer at www.santaclara.pointintime.info
Upcoming Events:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service — January 20,1 p.m.
- Palo Alto Chinese Community Lunar New Year Fair — January 26, 11:30 a.m.
For more events, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/JanuaryEvents
ELEANOR PARDEE PARK RESTROOM SURVEY
The City is exploring the potential addition of a new public restroom at Eleanor Pardee Park in response to community interest. We’re inviting your feedback through a survey, open now through February 13. Your input will help shape next steps. If there is strong community support, funding for the project could be recommended in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with design and installation targeted for Fiscal Year 2027.
Take the survey at www.cityofpaloalto.org/PardeeSurvey
Council Action Summary
Council Actions Summary
Retail Committee Recommendations: Approved downtown experience enhancements including enhance cleanliness efforts in downtown areas, amended the ongoing parklet program, and asked staff to return with revisions to the temporary use permit rules and exploring a plan for improvements to downtown infrastructure and experience.
State and Federal Legislative Guidelines: Adopted the 2025 State and Federal Legislative Guidelines including other changes and additions.
Long Range Financial Forecast and Budget Development Guidelines: Accepted the forecast and adopted budget development guidelines.
NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS
January 21
- Study Session: Suicide Prevention Policy
- Downtown Housing Actions
Saturday, January 25
- Council Retreat
February 3
- Study Session: Safe Streets for All
- Study Session: Cal Ave.
- Dark Sky Ordinance
February 10
- Study Session: Homelessness in Palo Alto
- FY2024 Public Improvement Corporation’s Annual Financial Report
- Weed Abatement
- 3265 El Camino Real
February 24
- Mid-Year Budget Review
- Bird-Friendly Design
Stay engaged and informed with the City Council portal at www.cityofpaloalto.org/CouncilAgendas.
BE INFORMED & STAY CONNECTED
- Gain emergency alerts and other updates: CityofPaloAlto.org/Connect
- Catch up on the latest City news through signing up for digital newsletters: CityofPaloAlto.org/newslettersignup
- Sign Up for Open Town Hall to share input through online surveys
- Attend events and meetings: CityofPaloAlto.org/Calendar
- View the City of Palo Alto Website: CityofPaloAlto.org
- Find City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes: CityofPaloAlto.org/CouncilAgendas
- Search for Services Near You
- City Manager Comments Survey: CityofPaloAlto.org/citymanagerupdates
