City Manager Weekly Update Blog Series: February 22, 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 22, 2021 Council meeting, click the video below.

City Council Meeting - February 22, 2021

COUNTY CONTINUES UNDER PURPLE TIER, VACCINE PROGRESS & TESTING OPTIONS

State Purple Tier Restrictions Remain in Effect

Purple Tier remains in effect, though we anticipate a future shift to the State’s Red Tier in the coming weeks. To track progress, go here.

For more, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/coronavirus

County Vaccine Updates continue at sccfreevax.org

Limitations in vaccine supply continue. Vaccinations eligibility continues for healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents, and people who are age 65 and older. Access will be expanding to workers in education and childcare, emergency services, and the food and agriculture industries effective February 28.

COVID-19 Testing Reminder

Santa Clara County Public Health Officials are continuing to urge community members to get tested. Palo Alto continues to offer several options for free testing right here in the community.

• Tuesday, February 23: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment only, by Curative at Mitchell Park Library Parking Lot. Curative testing is open four days before the appointment date to schedule a test online.
• Friday, February 26: 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. by appointment only through City/County partnership at Mitchell Park Community Center. County testing is open seven days before the appointment date to schedule a test online.

Go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/testing for more information on upcoming testing opportunities and to book your appointment online.

NEW RESTAURANT RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM

Restaurant Relief Grant Process Open Now

The Palo Alto Restaurant Relief Grant Program was announced today and established following a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) commitment of $1 million to launch emergency relief programming supporting restaurants in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, unincorporated Menlo Park, unincorporated North Fair Oaks, Palo Alto, and Redwood City impacted by the pandemic. $250,000 of that $1 million commitment will support Palo Alto’s Restaurant Relief Grant Program.

To apply for the grant process, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/restaurantrelief or from the home page click on Restaurant Relief under “News”

New community effort launched to help restaurants

Restaurant Rescue a community-driven effort was launched recently to encourage the community to support Palo Alto and East Palo Alto restaurants. To sign up for the Takeout Pledge and to learn more, go to restaurantrescue.org.

STATE OF THE CITY — MARCH 4

Join Mayor Tom DuBois for this year’s State of the City Address on Thursday March 4 at 7:00 p.m. This year’s event will be virtual.

Register now by going to the City’s home page under “News” or direct to bit.ly/PAStateoftheCity2021

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE STAFFING CHANGES

I wanted to take a moment to announce the retirement of Dr. Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne, Palo Alto’s assistant city manager, effective March 12. Kiely Nose has agreed to step in on an interim basis as Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer. More details on the assignment of specific responsibilities within the City Manager’s Office will be coming out soon.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OPTIONS

Planning & Transportation Commission Recruitment Deadline February 23

Palo Alto is recruiting for one short term position on the Planning and Transportation Commission. The recruitment ends on Tuesday, February 23 at 4:30 p.m.

Housing Element Working Group Recruitment Open

The application period to serve on the Housing Element Working is open now. Deadline to apply is March 5. City Council will consider applications and select members at the April 5, 2021 meeting. The Working Group will start meeting in May 2021. For more information and to apply, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/heupdate.

SAN FRANCISQUITO CREEK PROJECT UPDATE

The San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority’s (SFCJPA) is holding community meetings on a flood control project between Highway 101 and El Camino Real. The virtual meetings will be held on February 23 and March 2 at 5:00 p.m. Go here to learn more and find out how to join.

NOTABLE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS

Tentative Council Items

March 1:

• FY 2021 Mid-Year Budget Review, Preliminary Q2 Financial Status Report & FY2022 Budget Balancing Discussion
• Prescreening of proposal for seven office buildings along Park Boulevard near the California Avenue CalTrain Station
• Policy & Services Committee Recommendations on the City’s Risk Assessment Audit Plan

March 8:

• Retail Ordinance
• Castilleja School Project Public Comment Period, No Action to be taken
• Finance Committee Recommendation to Update Impact Fees
• Grand Jury Response on “Why Aren’t There More Female Fire Fighters in Santa Clara County”

March 15:

• Castilleja School Project Council Consideration/Action
• Police Department Year in Review Study Session

March 22:

• Prescreening of Town & Country Village proposal for medical office use
• Prescreening of 123 Sherman to rezone to Planned Home Zoning to develop a housing and office mixed-use project.

March 23:

• Connecting Palo Alto Rail Grade Separation Update and Final Report From the Expanded Community Advisory Panel (XCAP)

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