January 2026 Newsletter

Council Approves Waiver of Annexation Fees for West Menlo Triangle

At its first meeting of the new year, on January 13, 2025, the City Council voted 3–1 to waive city fees related to the proposed annexation of roughly 60 West Menlo Triangle parcels located in unincorporated San Mateo County. This vote marks the latest—but certainly not the last—development in a decade-long effort by residents of the neighborhood to formally join the City of Menlo Park.

Although annexations are less common than they once were, they remain a routine form of local government action. Indeed, Menlo Park owes much of its current configuration to a series of annexations following its founding. I have long supported this effort, which, in my view, would result in a relatively modest and logical expansion of the city’s boundaries.

Annexation Model

If ultimately successful, this effort could serve as a model for future annexation requests. To be clear, I do not believe that annexing unincorporated neighborhoods bordering Menlo Park should be a priority, nor do I think the city should proactively pursue such efforts. However, in cases where residents of an unincorporated neighborhood overwhelmingly support joining Menlo Park, the city should be prepared to engage through a standard, predictable, and efficient process.

Golden State Hauling Withdraws Planning Commission Application

At its January 12 meeting, the Planning Commission was scheduled to review a use permit application from Golden State Hauling and Demo that would have allowed the company to continue using 108 Gilbert Avenue as an office. The space, which is part of a retail strip at the corner of Menalto and Gilbert Avenues, is zoned for retail use, and Golden State Hauling’s office use therefore required Planning Commission approval. Before the application could be reviewed, however, Golden State Hauling withdrew its request.

Since Golden State Hauling began occupying the space, I have received complaints regarding the perceived use of the office as a meeting point for construction crews. At the same time, some members of the community have expressed support for the business. I have appreciated my engagement with Golden State Hauling as we worked to address the issues raised by residents. Based on my discussions with city staff, it is my understanding that, following the withdrawal of its use permit application, Golden State Hauling plans to vacate the space at 108 Gilbert Avenue.

Community Office Hours

After a brief holiday break, Community Office Hours are back! I’ll be hosting sessions on the remaining Saturdays in January and every Saturday in February. Please join me at Neighborhood Pizza Guy/Café Zoë from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply say hello.