Veronica leaves Palo Alto for Portola Valley town clerk position after nine years

The Planning and Transportation Commission meeting held on May 28, 2025, in Palo Alto focused on several key updates regarding city transportation and parking initiatives. A significant announcement was made regarding the departure of Veronica, a long-serving city employee, who will be taking on the role of town clerk in Portola Valley after nine years with Palo Alto.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing discussions about the El Camino Real project, with updates on parking regulations and enforcement changes. The Office of Transportation is currently in talks with Caltrans regarding the project, which has seen fluctuating parking conditions over the past six months. New no-parking signs are being installed, and enforcement is expected to change accordingly.

A notable point of discussion was the introduction of Ria Houdebaratlo as the new director of the Office of Transportation, who is anticipated to start next week. The commission expressed a desire for her to provide regular updates at future meetings to enhance communication and collaboration.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for improved data reporting on parking occupancy and permit sales. The Office of Transportation is working on a new parking data portal to provide the public with access to this information. The commission discussed the importance of data-driven decisions in managing parking resources, particularly in high-demand areas like University Avenue.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue enhancing public engagement and transparency regarding parking and transportation issues in Palo Alto. The commission looks forward to more regular updates and discussions as new initiatives are implemented in the coming fiscal year.