August 2024 Newsletter

Willow Road/U.S. Route 101 Interchange Landscaping

The long-awaited landscaping project for Willow Road/U.S. Route 101 Interchange will reach key milestones in the months ahead. Plans for the project are 90% complete and expected to be final later this year. Construction is projected to begin Spring 2025.

The landscaping project will maximize the restoration of trees lost as a result of the new interchange. It’s worth acknowledging that some aspects of the interchange have been an eyesore since the redesign was completed several years ago. I’m thankful that city staff were receptive to direction from me and Mayor Cecilia Taylor to prioritize this project despite some funding challenges. You can learn more on the city’s website.

Community Funding Program and Community Events

The city council’s meeting on August 13 included 2 study sessions. The first study session was focused on providing direction on the future of the community funding program. The second study session was aimed at providing direction on whether to discontinue some community events.

• Community Funding Program - This program has for several years provided grants to dozens of community organizations. During the most recent funding period for the program, $350,000 in grant money was provided to 40 non-profits. Recipients include well-known organizations such as All Five, JobTrain and Life Moves. But there has been some concern expressed about this program. At the meeting, the city council gave direction to pause this program and revisit possible changes to it following the November elections.

• Community Events - For some years now, there has been support on council to discontinue community events such as the Tree Lighting, the Egg Hunt and Breakfast with Santa. These events represent cherished community moments and I have strongly advocated for their continuation. My stance aligns with my early advocacy for a return of the Summer Concert Series, Halloween Hoopla and the Gymnastics Program following the pandemic. I’m pleased that during this study session, a majority of the city council expressed support for these events.

School Bond Measure on November Ballot

Ballots this November will include a bond measure to provide Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD) with funding for seismic-related building improvements, new security systems, upgraded fire alarms and the installation of new air conditioning systems. The quality education and supportive environment provided by MPCSD is central to what makes our community special. Personally, as the parent of a Laurel student, I’ve seen this up close. I welcome the opportunity to support the district in funding these critical improvements by both joining dozens of other community leaders in endorsing this measure and by voting for it in November. You can learn more about the measure at this website.

Commissioner Appointments

At the meeting on August 13, the city council appointed several new commissioners. To all those who applied, thank you for your willingness to support our community by serving on a commission. Congratulations to all those appointed. I look forward to serving with you. And for those who weren’t appointed, please apply again in the future. I’ve often shared my own story of applying multiple times before being appointed to the Bike Commission.

• Housing Commission: Hadrien Trempont

• Library Commission: Kim Crockett

• Parks and Recreation Commission: Justin Van Buren, Kevin Dawkins and Dawn Emms

Honoring A Menlo Park Stalwart

Willows’ resident and Menlo Park community stalwart Katherine Strehl passed away in 2021. As a small acknowledgement of Katherine’s contributions to Menlo Park, a bench with a plaque honoring her was installed at Willow Oaks Park this month. In addition to her more than 40-year professional career in government and community relations, Katherine had served the Menlo Park community as a member of multiple commissions and committees.

I had the honor of serving with her on the planning commission. For me personally, she was not just a colleague but a friend and mentor. Her encouragement was key to my decision to run for city council a second time in 2018. I know there are many who have similar stories about Katherine playing a pivotal role in their community service and professional careers. There’s also a red bench, placed in front of Cafe Zoe by Kathleen Daly, that honors Katherine.

Additional Notes

• Council Meetings - Family and work travel have required that I participate in some recent council meetings virtually. I want to express my appreciation to my council colleagues and city staff (especially City Clerk Judi Herren) for accommodating my attendance at these meetings.

• Coleman - Ringwood Avenues Project - The effort to improve transportation, safety and mobility for all users of these key roadways has reached an important juncture. Later this month, Council member Jen Wolosin and I will be meeting with San Mateo County Supervisors Ray Mueller and Warren Slocum to discuss the path forward for this project. You can learn more about the project on this city website.

• East Palo Alto Sanitary District Update - In the July newsletter, I discussed the city’s effort to ensure Menlo Park residents in the East Palo Alto Sanitary District had a voice in the district’s decisions following its absorption by the City of East Palo Alto. To be clear, these efforts will only proceed if and when all legal proceedings related to the potential absorption have been resolved.

Community Office Hours

Community office hours take place every Saturday from 9am to 10am at Cafe Zoe in the Willows. Additionally, you can also schedule a meeting by emailing [email protected] or calling 650-924-1890.