This past Friday I joined Congresswomen Anna Eshoo and Zoe Lofgren, and fellow local elected leaders, in condemning the leaked Supreme Court decision that will overturn Roe vs. Wade. I am appalled by the attack on women's rights and I call on Congress to pass the Women's Health Protection Act to make abortion federally legal.
As one of five councilmembers in one of 20 cities in one of 58 counties in one of 50 states, I am well aware that my ability to affect federal change is limited. I am speaking out on this issue to inspire all of you to do the same. As Congresswoman Eshoo said on Friday, the first three words on the Constitution are "We the people" not "We the Supreme Court". We all must exercise our rights - we must vote, engage in the democratic process and encourage others to do the same.
And while big, national issues and threats call us to action, we must also be mindful of the impact of local issues. The same values that many of us hold dear - protecting the most vulnerable and safeguarding a bright future for our children and grandchildren - play out right here in Menlo Park at City Hall. Thank you for paying attention and for being an active participant in local government.
SRI (formerly known as Stanford Research Institute) has submitted a formal application to redevelop its 63 acre campus located on Ravenswood Avenue. Tuesday's agenda item includes a presentation from Lane Partners, the developer hired by SRI, and a study session in which members of the community can comment on the project. The City Council will ask questions and hold a discussion about the project, but will not be taking any action or a position on the project.
May is Bike Month and Mayor Nash will read a proclamation recognizing it as such. As many of you know, I enjoy getting around Menlo Park on my e-bike. I love how connected I feel to the community when I'm riding around, and most days riding my e-bike gets me where I need to go faster than if I were to drive. If you see me riding around District 3, or anywhere, please wave!
Friday May 21st to Sunday May 23rd is Bike to Wherever Day(s). This annual event is a fun way to start the habit of biking. Those who pledge to ride ahead of time and visit an energizer station will receive one of the stylish and famous Bike to Wherever Day bags. More information can be found here.
Park lovers rejoice! The Burgess Park playground and Willow Oaks Park are on their way to getting much needed improvements. The updates at Burgess Park are focused on the children's play area, while Willow Oaks Park will receive a complete makeover, including new play equipment, a revamped dog park, new pickle ball courts, new pathways and a restroom. If the City Council approves the concept plans contained in this agenda item, construction is anticipated to begin in 2023.
Other Item of Interest
Below are some additional items of interest:
SAFER Bay Project to Address Sea Level Rise
Community Meetings on May 11th and 19th at 6pm
Sea Level Rise is a major threat to Menlo Park. Come join two upcoming meetings held by the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) in which the SAFER Bay Project will be discussed. SAFER stands for the Strategy to Advance Flood protection, Ecosystems and Recreation. The SAFER Bay project's aim is to develop engineered and natural flood protection features, habitat restoration and recreation improvements. Meetings on Wednesday, May 11th at 6pm and Thursday, May 19th at 6pm will include information about the plan, process and schedule for preparation of the environmental impact report (EIR) for the project. For more information, please click here.
Middle Avenue Complete Streets Project Complete Streets Commission Meeting on May 11th at 7pm
The Middle Avenue Complete Street project proposes bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements along the entire length of Middle Avenue between El Camino Real and Olive Street. This project is of significant value to D3 because in conjunction with the Middle Avenue Bike/Ped Undercrossing, there will be a direct route across town to improve connectivity to schools, parks, grocery stores, downtown and residential neighborhoods.
The Complete Streets Commission will be reviewing community input to date and providing feedback on the selection process for preferred improvement options for Middle Avenue at their monthly meeting this Wednesday, May 11th at 7pm. Click here to view the staff report.
Peninsula Restaurant Week
May 13th to 21st
Come out for a wonderful meal while supporting our local restaurants. It's Peninsula Restaurant Week! Great deals and great food to be had. For more information visit https://peninsularestaurantweek.com/.
San Mateo County Grand Jury
Application Deadline Extended to May 31, 2022
The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury has extended their application deadline for new jurors to May 31, 2022. The Court encourages all interested individuals to apply as it strives to obtain a cross section of the county population. For more information about this opportunity visit https://www.sanmateocourt.org/court_divisions/grand_jury/.
