I usually only send out emails before Council meetings (there is no meeting this week, the next one is on Tuesday, October 11th), but with so much going on, I didn't want you to miss out on important updates.
Warmly,
Items of Interest
Below are some updates that you might find useful:
Information about Tree Removal in Median on
El Camino Real between Glenwood/Valparaiso and Encinal
This week many residents were shocked to see the trees removed in the median on El Camino Real between Glenwood/Valparaiso and Encinal. In August 2021, the Council approved a Landscape Agreement with the developer of 1540 El Camino Real to replace the trees and provide new plantings at that location. As outlined in the staff report from the August 31, 2021 Council meeting, "the project will remove 24 existing trees [and] provide replacement landscaping including 15 Columbia sycamore trees at a distance of 35 feet on center within the wider portion of the median. For the narrower portions of median closer to Glenwood Avenue and Encinal Avenue, six crepe myrtle trees near Glenwood Avenue and three crepe myrtle trees near Encinal Avenue will remain." We will hopefully have trees replanted along the median in the near future.
Oftentimes the time between a Council approval and work being done can be lengthy, and thus can come as a surprise to residents. The City maintains a Construction News Update that residents can subscribe to that comes out weekly with current construction plans (the tree removals on El Camino were in the September 23rd edition). That being said, if you see something happening around town that you have questions about, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to find out what's going on.
Menlo Park Design District's October Educational Event: Ode to Color
Thursday, October 6th at 5pm
This year about 20 Menlo Park shops, galleries and designers in Downtown launched the Menlo Park Design District to "help you create and curate the home of your dreams." They are now offering monthly in-person events covering a broad range of design-related topics. On Thursday, October 6th at 5pm, there will be a presentation called Ode to Color, featuring internationally renowned textile designer Lori Weitzner. She will provide a rich, layered perspective on the use and significance of color in our world, including guidelines for putting that color knowledge to practical use in interior design. For more information about the October event and future events, visit https://www.mpdesigndistrict.com/events.
Measure V Online Forum Sponsored by The Almanac
Thursday, October 6th at 7pm
In this upcoming election, Menlo Park will vote on Measure V. If passed, "the Ballot Measure would amend the City’s Land Used Element of the General Plan to prohibit the City Council from changing the General Plan land use designation or rezoning certain properties designated and zoned for single-family detached residences unless first approved by a majority vote of the people of the City of Menlo Park at a general election."
On Thursday, October 6th at 7pm, The Almanac is hosting an online forum so voters can hear from both sides of the Measure V initiative. Almanac Editor Andrea Gemmet and Staff Writer Cameron Rebosio will pose questions to Nicole Chessari of Menlo Balance (Yes on V) and Evelyn Stivers of Menlo Park Neighbors for Affordable Homes (No on V). To register for this Zoom event click here.
Please note that I have endorsed the "No on V" campaign. You can see my name listed, as well as other community leaders, neighbors and community organizations, on the "No on V" endorsement page at https://www.protectteacherhousing.org/endorsements.
Faith and Blue Coffee with Cops and Faith Community
Saturday, October 8th at 9am
The purpose of the Faith and Blue weekend event is to create safer, more inclusive communities by connecting law enforcement officers and the residents they protect and serve through houses of worship. Menlo Park Police Department officers and faith leaders will gather at the following three locations on Saturday the 8th from 9:00 to 11:00am:
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week at Station 6 on Oak Grove Avenue
Saturday, Oct 8th at 1pm
Come join the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in celebrating Fire Prevention Week. The Fire District will be officially opening Station 6 at 700 Oak Grove Avenue, which includes the new Schapelhouman Museum and carriage house. Visitors can take a ride on Old Tom and enjoy some light snacks. There will also be an auction benefiting the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, with items ranging from a meal at Station 6, to overnights at local hotels. For more information about this fun event, click here.
“What’s your 2040?”
Climate Movie and Community Conversation
Sunday, October 9th at 4pm
Join 350 Silicon Valley and Menlo Spark to view "2040", a documentary by Australian director Damon Gameau. Motivated by concern for his young daughter’s future, the filmmaker travels the globe in search of answers to how we, collective and individually, can make a difference with climate change. Come to be inspired and to engage in community conversation about what is possible for our future. This free event is on Sunday, October 9th at 4pm (doors open at 3:30) at The Guild Theatre at 949 El Camino Real. For more information and to register, click here.
3 Openings on Menlo Park Advisory Bodies
Application Deadline is Friday, October 14th at 5pm
The following advisory bodies currently have openings. Interested applicants should submit the online application form by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.
Environmental Quality Commission - 1 seat, term expiring April 30, 2024
Library Commission - 1 seat, term expiring April 30, 2026
Planning Commission - 1 seat, term expiring April 30, 2026
Beloved Menlo Park Bike Shop, Menlo Velo, to Close Oct 30th
This past week Menlo Velo announced that after 27 years of serving Menlo Park, that they will be closing their store on October 30th. My family has purchased multiple bikes (and helmets, locks, baskets, bells, etc.) from owner Rainer and his team over the years, and we will miss this store greatly. You can read about what went into the decision to close on their website here. For the rest of October everything we will be on sale, so please check them out and support them as best you can. Wishing them all the best.
Menlo Park Community Police Academy DATES CHANGED TO JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
New Deadline to Apply is Monday, December 19th at Noon
The Menlo Park Community Police Academy is back. The academy gives community members a hands-on introduction to police work. Participants will get firsthand information on why and how the police department operates, as well as its organization and culture. It provides an excellent opportunity to ask questions openly and to discuss topics of interest. If you want to learn more about what police officers and staff do every day and are interested in criminal law, forensics and investigations, this is a great program for you to join.
The academy is a six-week program open to ages 18 years and older. It takes place Wednesday evenings from 6:30–9:30 p.m., from Jan. 11–Feb. 15, 2023 (NEW DATES). For more information and to apply online, visit the community police academy webpage. Applications are due no later than Monday, December 19th at noon (NEW DATE).
