City Council meets again on Tuesday night, April 2nd. A link to the agenda and staff reports is below.
Caltrain Electrification Update and Overnight Testing
At last week's Council meeting, a staff member from Caltrain presented information about the soon-to-be launched fully electric train service coming in September of this year. The exciting news is that the Menlo Park Caltrain station will see more frequent service, including three stops per peak hour on the weekends.
In order to prepare for this new electric service, starting in April, Caltrain will be conducting months of testing that will occur throughout the night. According to Caltrain, "Tests will occur between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. most weeknights, with 1-2 trains per hour. This is expected to continue until revenue service begins in late September. Each of [the] 23 electric trains must be tested for 1,000 miles after arrival from the factory. So far, 4 trains have been fully tested. Residents may hear additional noise from train horns, bells, and crossing gates during train movements. A reminder that on a regular service day, Caltrain does have trains on the line between 4:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Residents should not notice a significant difference in noise, but Caltrain wants to make sure that [it] hears from Menlo Park officials and community members during this critical phase of the electrification project."
Please contact Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287 to relay any questions or concerns related to this testing.
Personal News
Finally, I would like to share some personal news. After much contemplation and soul-searching, I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection for the Menlo Park District 3 City Council seat. Serving as a Menlo Park City Councilmember, including as Mayor in 2023, has been the honor of a lifetime. I am grateful to have been trusted with this decision-making position to help our community navigate through challenges, and I have really enjoyed getting to meet so many amazing residents and stakeholders that are deeply invested in our wonderful city. Thank you.
Many familial and personal considerations have factored into my decision not to run. While I have relished my service to the larger community, I now need to turn my attention to my own needs and to those of the people I love. I am announcing this approximately 7 months ahead of the November election to make room for those interested in serving so they can come forward and explore their potential candidacy.
This is not goodbye. I will continue to give this job my all until my term ends in December 2024. After that you will still see me around town riding my e-bike and walking my dog, at back-to-school-nights and other community venues. I am and will continue to be proud to call Menlo Park home.
Very warmly,
Jen
City Council Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 2nd at 6pm Please Note: There is a Closed Session Meeting at 5pm
