To those claiming better transit would solve the problem, it does nothing to change the reality that government policy practically mandates a one story town and adopts punitive measures against any attempts at even a modest increase in density. Palo Alto and by extension much of coastal California operates under principles designed to protect and enrich existing residents while fleecing newcomers in order to discourage growth of any kind. Allow development that might slow real estate inflation, which lines the pockets of existing property owners? Perish the thought.