Palo Alto Storm Community Check-In Meeting Q&A
Thank you to all the community members who attended or watched our Storm Community Check-In meeting on Tuesday, January 17. We estimate about 45 residents participated virtually and 24 watched the live YouTube stream of the briefing. The following update shares a summary of some of the questions received at the meeting with answers to help inform the community on a variety of storm- related issues. Topics range from how to report tree issues and what to do with sandbags, to why the El Camino Real at University Avenue underpass flooded and what’s the latest on local bridge improvements.
The input received from the community at this meeting and through other feedback, will help inform additional updates to the storm-related Frequently Asked Questions available online at www.cityofpaloalto.org/StormFAQs.
1. How do I report a tree issue on public or private property?
If you notice a tree issue on public property (in a street, City park, or other public area) you can report it to the City. You should also contact the City if you see a tree in contact with a power line — regardless of location. The easiest way to do this is using Palo Alto 3–1–1, but you can also call Palo Alto Public Works at (650) 496–6974 on weekdays from 7 a.m. — 4 p.m. or (650) 329–2413 after hours.
If you notice a tree issue on private property, you should contact the property owner directly. Property owners can reach out to an arborist or other business for assistance.
Tree issues could include: new and noticeable leaning or tilting, dying tree limbs, new mounds of soil, branches in contact with power lines, and other noticeable changes to tree health.
For other tree related resources including an arborist list, check out Canopy’s website here.
2. Is there an update on Pope-Chaucer Bridge and Newell Bridge improvement projects?
The Newell Bridge Improvement project is led by the City of Palo Alto in partnership with the City of East Palo Alto, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority. Bidding for the project is expected to begin in late 2023 with construction beginning in early 2024. Learn more at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/Newell
The Pope-Chaucer Bridge Project is led by the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority. More information on Pope-Chaucer Bridge improvements is available from Santa Clara Valley Water District here (please note that the schedule for this project has been delayed — updates will be made by Santa Clara Valley Water District and the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority as they are available).
Update, as of January 26: For community members interested in the latest plans for flood control improvements of the San Francisquito Creek, the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Board met on Thursday, January 26 and received a presentation from Stanford University on the Searsville Reservoir as well as a brief Executive Director’s update on the projects. In addition, a detailed discussion is planned at the JPA’s February 16 Board meeting, at which City of Palo Alto staff will participate. Find the meeting agenda and materials, and the Executive Director’s report starting on page 51 (providing a summary of project elements and current status), here.
Several flood control efforts have been completed: Several new pump stations have been completed which allows water to be pumped back into creeks. This includes the San Francisquito Creek pump station that was completed in 2009 and the Matadero Creek pump station that was completed in 2019. Channing and Lincoln Avenue also received storm drain upgrades from 2012–2018, fiber optics systems received upgrades in 2018, and the Guinda flap gate improves efficiency of the system as of 2015.
3. What should I do with my sandbags?
The City recommends that residents keep their sandbags, at least through the end of this storm season. Weather can be unpredictable and it’s valuable to have sandbags and other emergency preparedness items readily available. Staff is exploring options for residents to return used sandbags. More details coming soon.
4. Why did the El Camino Real Underpass flood? What work is being done to improve conditions?
El Camino Real underpass flooding was a result of issues with Caltrans’ pumps. City staff promptly notified Caltrans of the issue but received a delayed response — something several other local jurisdictions experienced as well. When Caltrans did not address the issue in a timely manner, City staff responded and removed roughly six truckloads of mud from the vicinity. At that point, the pumps were operational once again.
There was another brief incident where the pumps around the El Camino Real underpass stopped working. Caltrans responded quickly to this incident and the pumps are working once again. Caltrans does not have information about what caused the pumps to malfunction at this time, although updates will be shared as they are available. Palo Alto staff will coordinate with Caltrans in an effort to avoid future El Camino Real flooding incidents.
5. Is there a process to disconnect electricity if travelling — weighing upcoming storm concerns?
There is not currently a process to disconnect electricity for specific addresses when traveling. If there is a safety risk due to storms, City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) will disconnect electricity to affected areas. To prepare for adverse weather conditions during an absence, consider turning off power strips and/or unplugging appliances that are close to the ground. You can find more Utilities Safety information here, or contact Utilities Customer Service at (650) 329–2161 or UtilitiesCustomerService@cityofpaloalto.org with questions.
6. How can I share my storm-related photos and videos with the City?
Residents have been sharing their storm-related photos and videos with the City. Please share your experience with us. Information provided will help Public Works evaluate the existing storm drainage system and future flood management changes that may be needed.
Email Public Works staff with photos, videos or other storm-related conditions you’ve noticed in your neighborhood at pwecips@cityofpaloalto.org.
More Online Resources
Find the City’s Past Storm Updates and additional online resources including evacuation procedures if a flood- related evacuation is recommended in the future: www.cityofpaloalto.org/FloodAlert
Find answers to frequently asked storm questions at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/StormFAQs
Gain Real-Time Updates in an emergency situation and follow the City for service, programs and events information: Connect with the City
Prepare Now for Future Storms & Find Other Storm Resources: www.cityofpaloalto.org/storms
Monitor Creek Levels: www.cityofpaloalto.org/creekmonitor
