City Manager Weekly Update Blog Series: February 1, 2021

Learn about recent City of Palo Alto updates and news.

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada provides “City Manager Comments” sharing recent City news, and updates for the community to stay informed on important issues facing the community. This blog series summarizes these weekly updates!

If you’d prefer to watch the City Manager share this week’s updates and news at the February 1, 2021 Council meeting, click the video below.

City Council Meeting - February 1, 2021

COUNTY CONTINUES UNDER PURPLE TIER

State Purple Tier Restrictions Remain in Effect

Sunday was the one-year mark since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County and case count for the county topped 100,000. The County’s mandatory travel quarantine remains in place, requiring a 10-day quarantine for most people who travel into the county from more than 150 miles away. Continue to follow safety protocols — mask up, stay socially distanced from others outside your household, and wash hands frequently, including those vaccinated. For a reminder on what the County’s Purple Tier includes, go here.

California Avenue Closed to Vehicles to Maximize Outdoor Dining and Retail Opportunities

Street closure in effect to connect the community to expanded outdoor dining and retail opportunities. For information, promotions and events, check out the Upliftlocal.org website.

Work Continues on Options for University Avenue/Downtown Areas

Staff is working with local businesses on and off University Avenue on expanding outdoor dining options and retail opportunities, as well as maximizing pedestrian access.

VACCINE UPDATE & TESTING CONTINUES

County Vaccine information available at sccfreevax.org

Due to limited vaccine supply, the County and healthcare providers are currently only offering vaccinations to healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents, and people who are age 65 and older. Vaccine supplies remain limited. As of January 28, the County administered at least 185,535 doses.

COVID-19 Testing Reminder: County is urging the community to continue to get tested

• February 2 & 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment only, by Curative at Mitchell Park Library Parking Lot
• February 5, 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. by appointment only at Mitchell Park Community Center

Go to http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/testing for more

ONGOING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community Survey open to all residents online now

This is a place to share input on city services and quality of life issues. The survey is provided through our vendor Polco and began in December through random selected mailed surveys. The survey closes February 10, 2021, make your opinion heard now!

Community Check-In Meetings Through June

Share input and learn about city updates on the pandemic response and Uplift Local initiative. Meetings are scheduled monthly on the third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for February 19. Full schedule and connection information available on the Events page at www.upliftlocal.org

Check out more at the City’s home page under “News”

RACE & EQUITY CHALLENGE

In partnership with the Palo Alto Unified School District, the Palo Alto Council PTA, and Youth Community Services, we are launching the 21 day Race & Equity Challenge. The Challenge encourages each of us to continue to become more aware of issues around race, systemic racism, and inclusion and provides online daily activities that can be done in 15 minutes or less. Each day will feature a different topic as a way to deepen community connections and further our understanding. Join us for a weekly “Thursday Night Live” with a hosted conversation about the materials. It is free and it started on Monday, February 1! Register online and join over 1,000 participants already signed up at tinyurl.com/paequitychallenge.

US 101 BIKE BRIDGE HIGHWAY CLOSURE PLANNED

Traffic Advisory

Caltrans will perform an overnight closure of Interstate 101 (US 101) lanes, between San Antonio Road and Embarcadero Road on Saturday February 13 starting at 8 p.m. and full freeway closure on Sunday, February 14, between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Full southbound and northbound closures are needed for Caltrans crews to safely install the bridge structure.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute. Signage will be posted for vehicular detours planned. Go here for more information: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/101

NOTABLE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS

Tentative February Council Items

February 8:

• Proposed County Teacher Housing Project
• Pre-screening: 209-Unit Residential project
• Long Range Financial Forecast and FY 2022 Budget Development Guidelines

February 22:

• 2020 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Study Session
• FY 2021 Mid-Year Budget Review, Preliminary Q2 Financial Status Report & FY2022 Budget Balancing Discussion

Tentative March Council Items

March 1:

• Consideration of a contract with Duncan Solutions for License Plate Recognition Implementation in Parking Enforcement
• Prescreening of proposal for seven office buildings along Park Boulevard near the California Avenue CalTrain Station
• Retail Ordinance
• Policy & Services Committee Recommendation to Approve the City’s Risk Assessment Audit Plan

March 8:

• XCAP on Grade Separation Report Study Session
• Castilleja School Project Public Comment Period, No Action to be taken
• Finance Committee Recommendation to Update Impact Fees

March 15:

• Castilleja School Project Council Consideration/Action
• Homelessness Services Update

March 22:

• Prescreening of Town & Country Village proposal for medical office use

Council meeting dates: March 1, 8, 15 & 22

STAY INFORMED

City Manager Comments Blog Series at: Medium.com/paloaltoconnect

Gain Coronavirus Updates at: CityofPaloAlto.org/Coronavirus

Sign Up for Coronavirus Updates at: CityofPaloAlto.org/newslettersignup

Call us: (650) 272–3181

Community Support Call Center is available to answer community questions