Jan 15, 2021
City Manager Weekly Update Blog Series: January 11, 2021
Learn about recent City of Palo Alto updates and news.
Each Council meeting the 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 is the first in a new series summarizing these weekly updates!
If you’d prefer to watch the City Manager share this week’s updates and news at the January 11, 2021 Council meeting, click the video below.
REGIONAL STAY AT HOME ORDER IN EFFECT
Regional Stay at Home Order continues to be in effect. County health officials are bracing for January to be most challenging month of pandemic; ICU bed and hospital staffing are at critical levels. On Friday, January 8, the State announced an extension of Regional Stay-at-Home Order.
As a community, our actions can save lives:
- Stay at home as much as possible and wear a mask when outside the home
- Restrict travel
- Do not gather with others outside the home
- Stay a safe distance from others at all times
Last week, State announced an economic stimulus package for low-income residents and a proposal to extend the Statewide eviction moratorium, currently set to expire at the end of January.
MUTUAL AID & VACCINATIONS UNDER WAY
State has established a ‘Medical Facility Surge Assistance by the California Fire Service’ order. This allows medical facilities to request assistance through the mutual aid system for assistance by paramedics and EMTs. This is the first time for this type of request. A Palo Alto Fire Paramedic team of four are currently deployed to Kern County for a 14-day deployment. All expenses for deployment are reimbursed.
California’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant application deadline is January 13. For more information visit careliefgrant.com.
Last week, the County released updates to its vaccine plans. New details about phases and who is eligible under which phase can be found on the County’s website and at sccfreevax.org. “Phase 1A” is underway, with details and on Phase 1B expected from State, rapidly evolving.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING CONTINUES IN PALO ALTO
Free COVID-19 Testing continues through County/City partnership. More details on those partnerships and how to sign up for a test can be found here.
There is a new location for Palo Alto’s free testing: Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room (previously held at the Art Center)
Upcoming Dates: Fridays January 22 and February 5 & 26
Free COVID-19 Mobile Testing Continues Through Curative*
Every Tuesday & Every other Wednesday (starting January 6) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Mitchell Park Library Parking Lot, Near the Gazebo
* We are aware that the FDA issued a notice of higher risk of false results with Curative tests. Curative is working with the FDA closely on the matter. Curative has committed to provide us updates as this issue evolves. As a result of this, the City will continue to monitor this evolving situation and in addition, the City is exploring other testing options as well.
FOOTHILLS PARK UPDATE
Foothills Park opened to everyone on December 17. Over the last three weeks, staff has seen high visitation notably on weekends and holidays likely attributed to:
- Pandemic-driven desire to be outdoors
- High public interest in a new preserve in region
- Holiday free time and perfect weather
Staff is testing access options to ensure the visitor experience is positive while working to manage visitation and park resources, including managing parking and access to sensitive areas, as well as on-site interpretive support and mass communication.
Seeking to reduce traffic and parking challenges seen during high visitation times, a temporary closure of the park entrance will go into effect when the visitor cap is reached. Pedestrians and bikers may enter the park as long as they are not parked illegally. Upgraded vehicle counting linked to website for the public to check if the visitor cap and entrance closure is in effect, is coming soon. Council will consider visitor maximum options and other related Foothills Park items on January 19. Go to the City’s home page and click “News” for more at www.cityofpaloalto.org.
POLICE RADIO TRANSMISSIONS ENCRYPTED
Last week, PAPD encrypted radio transmissions to restore compliance under the October 2020 CA Dept. of Justice requirement for law enforcement agencies to protect personally identifiable information (PII). Local agencies already transitioned include: County Sheriff and cities of San Jose, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill and possibly others. Mountain View moving this Spring; others expected by year end. Local media interest has been understandably high, as scanning radio traffic provides real-time information on police activities. Staff approach demonstrates a difficult example of limited staff bandwidth and competing priorities with budget reductions, with more examples to come.
Alternatives such as requiring cell phones or channel switching add burdens to officers and dispatchers and compromises the safety of police personnel. Other alternatives include challenging DOJ requirement or supporting previously-introduced state legislation. Additional alternatives may be identified as other agencies implement.
Transparency of information continues to be a priority for the City and Police Department. Staff continue to provide real-time incident notifications for significant incidents, daily reports logs, online releases and respond to media inquiries. Staff are reviewing options to reinforce current approaches.
Staff will agendize issue for Council discussion within 60 days
Go to the City’s home page at www.cityofpaloalto.org and click “News” for more or check out this blog written by Police Chief Jonsen.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATIONS
Join Youth Community Service and the City in a national day to celebrate the legacy and dream of Martin Luther King Jr. Reimagined in a virtual format this year on Monday, January 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Messages from City of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto Mayors
- Watch videos from partner organizations
- Join a youth panel hosted by the Palo Alto High School Black Scholars United group discussing systemic racism
- Participate in Service Learning Projects to support our local communities
More information on the webpage.
The City is also hosting a legacy walk quote display at Mitchell Park and an opportunity for residents to share their dreams as part of our dream tree.
On January 15 & 16, the local Mid-Peninsula Junior League will be hosting community dialogues in partnership with the Palo Alto City Library with relevant books by age group.
These events provide an opportunity to build a stronger community as we all learn and grow from these difficult times.
More information can be found in this news story.
STAY INFORMED
Gain Coronavirus Updates at: CityofPaloAlto.org/Coronavirus
Sign Up for Coronavirus Updates and other City news at: CityofPaloAlto.org/newslettersignup
Call us: (650)272–3181 Community Support Call Center is available to answer community questions.
To learn more about upcoming Council meetings and gain council meeting materials, go here: www.cityofpaloalto.org/councilagendas
You can follow the Palo Alto Connect blog by going here: https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect
To connect with the City on social media go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/connect
To learn about the latest Coronavirus Updates, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/coronavirus
