Comments for Palo Alto Online

Comment on GreenWaste Palo Alto workers approve their first union contract by Elaine

Elaine — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:12:00 +0000

Excellent.
Congratulations.

Comment on Palo Alto Commons expansion in limbo after community opposition by Allen Akin

Allen Akin — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:30:34 +0000

I’m a Commission member, so the law limits what I can say about projects outside public hearings. However, I believe it’s safe to repeat things that were said during the hearing. It might help everyone understand why the project wasn’t moved to the next step in the approval process even though there’s broad support for more assisted-living and memory-care units.

As Commissioner Hechtman stated more eloquently, we have very little control over what neighbors do on their private property; what protects everyone from abuses is consistent enforcement of the zoning rules. The project is requesting exceptions to those rules, so we have to be especially careful that everyone is treated fairly.

There’s a disagreement between Palo Alto Commons and the neighbors over whether enough private parking exists. If there’s a shortage, it could affect the conditions of approval for the project. A survey is being made to find out, but we don’t have the results yet.

As Commissioner Reckdahl pointed out, because the property has special zoning, it’s not clear which set of rules apply for daylight planes. City Staff needs to nail that down before the Commission can make an informed decision.

I believe everyone expects the project to move forward, perhaps with some new conditions, once the open questions have been answered.

Comment on Special interest money boosts Dixon in Congress campaign by Mondoman

Mondoman — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:52:59 +0000

Re: ” Absent relentless and well-organized grass roots movements…”

Yes, but I see that as our own fault. In other cities that I have lived in, residents engage more on community issues.

Comment on Palo Alto Commons expansion in limbo after community opposition by Mark Dinan

Mark Dinan — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:57:01 +0000

I was at Palo Alto Commons today visiting a friend who is in the memory care unit with dementia. It is shameful and ridiculous that “shadows” and “parking” are reasons being used to block a needed expansion. I’ll add that it is abundantly clear that in an aging city like Palo Alto – where I see many more people over the age of 70 than in their 20s – the same type of person who wants to block this expansion today will need it tomorrow.

Comment on Caltrans releases plans for El Camino bike lane project by Online Name

Online Name — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:30:59 +0000

I just got this notification about a meeting TONIGHT at Paly about the bike lanes”

Don’t know if you all are aware, but tonight, 6 p.m , the City is
holding a community meeting on the El Camino/bike lanes issue. It’s at
Paly’s new Theater.
—————————————————————————–
WHEN is the City going to work on its community outreach? Since we’re paying millions for a large and expensive Communications team and seeing our utility rates rise so they can keep siphoning our money into the general fund is it too much to expect them to do their jobs??

Comment on Palo Alto Commons expansion in limbo after community opposition by FrancesG

FrancesG — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:06:20 +0000

The neighbors have every right to make their voices heard. I hope a compromise can be reached: maybe, say, 16 new units instead of 18, or whatever the two parties can agree on. And spare me the crocodile tears about senior citizens (and I am one). No senior is going to end up on the street no matter what the final decision is. No is asking the developer to cancel the project entirely or demolish the existing units.

Comment on Special interest money boosts Dixon in Congress campaign by Annette

Annette — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:10:29 +0000

Anne – my guess is that Dixon has aspirations well beyond Congress. I don’t like the money-driven model b/c it obliterates any chance of a level playing field for candidates, but it is what the Supreme Court validated and we are pretty much stuck with it. Only sometimes will voters succeed in voting in a candidate who has not been heavily promoted by a PAC and/or pre-ordained by a political party’s central committee and then helped along by the money that follows. Absent relentless and well-organized grass roots movements, moneyed candidates can outpace and outlast those with less money. I see this as one of the unfortunate aspects of capitalism. And my point about Dixon is that he at least has some positives to offer. Money has elected far less suitable candidates. One need look no further than the CA Assembly for good examples of this.

Comment on Palo Alto Commons expansion in limbo after community opposition by NTB2

NTB2 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:49:45 +0000

This anti housing sentiment flies against our most vulnerable — all for the sake of more protections for SFH R1 zoners owners is the shadow! Such reality is what is casting a dark shadowing pall over our shared community. The self centered, algo-driven, stingy, gross, neglect that’s addressing the needs of seniors disabled, low-income is embarrassing and yes shameful. Who said privacy rights is the very air beyond a property line. Get some drapes!

Comment on Palo Alto Commons expansion in limbo after community opposition by How Did We Get Here?

How Did We Get Here? — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:23:35 +0000

This is shameful. Blocking senior housing because it is slightly inconvenient for you to park your car on the street. This is why we are in trouble with the state on our housing element. Ridiculous and I am embarrassed for our city.

Comment on Special interest money boosts Dixon in Congress campaign by Defend democracy!

Defend democracy! — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:50:59 +0000

The story that no one wants to tell here is that Joe had a 14 year head start on fundraising. He opened a PAC literally 14 years ago to run for this seat. And then, in the most anti-Democratic way possible, Anna waited until the last minute, to announce her retirement so that she could hand him the seat! We had 30 years of mediocrity at best with Anna. Do we really want to go with her 71 year old handpicked successor?

Anna (and Joe) created the money problems in this race, not the candidates. Let’s be clear.

Joe has been a GREAT public servant. I tip my hat. His time has passed though. It takes at least 10 years to climb the ranks in the house, and that’s on the fast track.

It’s time for a new generation to lead!