[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6651120,"mediaKeyId","3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389","parentId",3798633,"title","Business owners and residents urge Palo Alto to keep Cal Ave parklets and tents, warn against switching to umbrellas","audioSeconds",1080,"startMs",1386000,"endMs",2466000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389&start=1386&end=2466","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389/thumbnail_1386000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6651120/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Business-owners-and-residents-urge-Palo-Alto-to-keep-Cal-Ave-parklets-and-tents-warn-against-switching-to-umbrellas","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651120-f38c3f5b327444990582ae871fee7dd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448510&Signature=A-y4cbh4vU~lykVwZ~syW0pgGU4qI9mwSvUGmd5DI7KQ-R~JPlWTAcwQNWTrE4vMU776X8HtWpMqKH7de2dJ7DDzx3GeteCV1reey1eP0eCaShYXcjX9rb9u8EEuvX-hwWMDZYTKgcEm15pgleYsVFOTv-gan9kdnMHIeoeZSGuv2LF4byhxxd4dnm1biLlUUcmzVVBpAqGobhAfQ63uY9cq8YA3EYuLI~q3lLFFHaraRksiS-j-ihCtJBLVLMD26qo-OtcfUo8zaXNXFh2uf9gwIprnrZ-cEaDfSzCmklrjoJTtZgB1WGYXRaydszROVpgn6M8ekh-tlS1Qwv-Wjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Palo Alto","date","2025-06-10T15:57:55Z","article","Multiple California Avenue business owners, patrons and event organizers told the City Council during the public comment period on June 9 that they oppose a proposed shift from tents and parklets to umbrellas and awnings for outdoor dining and activations.

Jason C., a nearby resident and frequent patron, said the larger parklet structures provide durable shelter, support year-round outdoor dining and protect children and diners from wind and sun. \"Umbrellas are vulnerable to wind, to weather,\" he said. \"They're not comfortable and they interrupt the continuation of lively outdoor spaces.\"

John King, president of the Barron Park Association, urged the council to continue supporting Third Thursday and other street activations that he said have transformed California Avenue into a walkable cultural hub. \"With your backing, we can grow Thursday into a signature Palo Alto experience,\" King said.

Several business owners said they had already invested thousands of dollars in outdoor fixtures and that frequent rule changes undermine their planning and finances. One speaker told the council his favorite restaurant spent $8,000 on a structure and $2,500 to permit propane storage, and said repeatedly changing rules could force businesses to reduce outdoor seating.

Brandon Clark, another frequent Cal Ave patron, said the larger parklets provide clear boundaries for dining and improve pedestrian safety. Carol Garson, founder and producer of the Third Thursday California Avenue Music Festival, described calendar events including a Local Libations wine walk set for June 19 and said the monthly festival draws families and youth programming.

Sergio Jimenez, the new Pacific Gas and Electric representative for the area, introduced himself to the council but did not take a position on the activation rules. Several speakers asked the council to further engage businesses and residents before finalizing design guidelines.

Council members noted the California Avenue outdoor activation guidelines had been rescheduled to a June 17 special meeting to allow further deliberation. No council action was taken on June 9; public comment was limited to three minutes per speaker.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - June 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple California Avenue business owners, patrons and event organizers told the City Council on June 9 they oppose a proposed shift from tents and parklets to umbrellas and awnings for outdoor dining and activations.","taxTitle","Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California","taxId",3867,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6651126,"Palo Alto poll shows tentative support for Cubberley overhaul; council plans more community testing",4926,3272000,8198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389&start=3272&end=8198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389/thumbnail_3272000.jpg","/articles/6651126/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Palo-Alto-poll-shows-tentative-support-for-Cubberley-overhaul-council-plans-more-community-testing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651126-bec2bfea732159527e0194ebec2db5ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448510&Signature=hrOPz8yEwCRofMRpEgvRlNJpN04o0JVXJ9cIGcKd0RuSfLsdqeWdeZQHh1a~fKmHWeIeP05DIiFu~4uVeXgejkBqA9tdCKQr50MuKwdgoQEoGRIH0m6HHBD33PryS22CFo5HqlXMk1dvgI~VkJmPDl4PThSWLdy2sNEWxi5Ig1~om0aW2vmAeuMTRYPUeBEVmpAEN6~5KrejSPZFHo5~JvtCB2PtnKe1sqIGDTRrC2qcZCFzpBFk0j4WAmfFzfxpA0XpQDO3-dADF1-YL7dXoylCl8wZFcDzT9SoZLlnDeJ69H9VbWKDIIFYn0-6dwLhRIUYjQG9UPFEUTlKA-ZEeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A majority of likely Palo Alto voters told a city-commissioned survey they generally support issuing a bond to purchase additional Cubberley land and improve the site, but most said they needed more detail before committing to a specific price or design. The finding emerged during a study session on June 9 at a City Council meeting.

The poll of 437 registered Palo Alto voters, presented by Dave Metz of FM3 Research, found 62% initially said they would support a conceptual bond measure and that support rose to about 72% after respondents heard more detailed messages about needs and benefits. At the same time, many respondents described their support as only “somewhat” in favor or said they were undecided pending more information.

The survey also showed voters rated the condition of the Cubberley buildings as a greater problem than the programs offered there — 51% said they were dissatisfied with the physical condition versus 47% satisfied with programming. Voters prioritized “efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” preserving trees and green space, earthquake retrofits and safe spaces for children and teens among potential project goals.

Kristen O'Kane, Community Services Director for the City of Palo Alto, and Christine Perras, Assistant Director of Administrative Services, reviewed project schedule and outreach plans. “Community engagement in various forms is integrated throughout this effort,” O’Kane told the council. FM3’s Dave Metz said future surveys will present more concrete packages of improvements and price points so voters can react to an assembled proposal rather than the separate elements tested in the April survey.

Council members emphasized the need to connect likely voter willingness to pay with realistic project scoping. “We need to have a connection between those two,” Council member Greg Burt said, noting costs for adaptive reuse versus new construction vary widely. Staff estimated, as a rough guide, that $250 per household per year could generate roughly $75 million to $150 million in revenue citywide while $500 per household could produce about $150 million to $300 million, depending on measure structure and other variables.

Officials said the next steps include three community meetings (the next was scheduled for June 12) where the consultant will present three distinct concepts, additional commission briefings this summer, a fall poll with a concrete package and a likely September community meeting to present a single preferred concept.

The presentation also outlined a near-term activation plan to animate the site and build community awareness and support while master planning continues. Staff said activations will be phased and coordinated with the public art commission, parks and recreation commission and Cubberley users.

Council members asked FM3 to provide cross-tabulated results by neighborhood and demographic segments to help target outreach and messaging. Metz said he would provide the full cross-tabs to staff and council.

The study session produced no formal vote. Council members and staff said they intend to continue public engagement, refine cost and phasing assumptions, and return with more-specific polling and a financing framework later this year.","A city-commissioned poll found majority support for a possible bond to buy and improve more of the Cubberley site, but most voters want more details; staff and consultants plan follow-up polling and community meetings to refine options and cost estimates.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6651116,"Palo Alto council approves consent calendar, CDBG annual plan and emergency ordinance to implement state ADU law",5440,6856000,12296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389&start=6856&end=12296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798633-5c6ebae0f11356c1fef01f31f0543389/thumbnail_6856000.jpg","/articles/6651116/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Palo-Alto-council-approves-consent-calendar-CDBG-annual-plan-and-emergency-ordinance-to-implement-state-ADU-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6651116-a672657318fccd598d85f30510eb616d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448510&Signature=gm8vTWEHKx5qyXUvvNn0MzkRyS7T4t-jWnas6ls2FgGvDZhXgyV4qFL0CIqB9WupKWmsMuBbhblvsZeQcMwpv7p-TG9RFQkt-eKeXCQsT70U-O3dVMuVRKvabd7o2i-yxJqOaXDaDzzKPnKFFapKQMfojYZ8oXbd~Q~7~P4IVQrLwZJtMNvaRd9~RENM5BYfZCwn9rVu728zwRP~kdlxDP8gPRGKvbDX1sNa-SJnqXQjrorvq2chHgMZeORQD4LZLNHje6kTTZ~vWLoLZAFJYzL9Al-EBqAJURm5wmBYbqpeQ7v1BXp71yAOM8Hbjv0HwStD4juFZHacsYFlNklGOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Palo Alto City Council voted on several items during its June 9 meeting, approving the bundled consent calendar, the draft 2025–2030 Consolidated Plan and 2025–26 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and a temporary urgency ordinance to implement state law changes under Senate Bill 1123.

Consent calendar
The council approved the consent calendar (items 3–15) in a single motion. The roll-call recorded votes in favor from Council member Stone, Council member Burt, Vice Mayor Venker, Council member Lythcott Hanes, Council member Liu, Council member Rekdal and Mayor Lowing; the motion carried.

CDBG annual plan (Action item 16)
The council voted unanimously to approve the city’s draft 2025–2030 Consolidated Plan and the 2025–26 Annual Action Plan for use of CDBG funds. Robert Fain, Housing Planner, and consultants outlined priorities including affordable housing, services for vulnerable populations, workforce development and child care. The recommended allocations included a FY 2025–26 entitlement grant estimate of approximately $516,000 plus an estimated $100,000 in program income. The Human Relations Commission reviewed and recommended adjustments incorporated into the staff recommendation, including an increased allocation to the Alma Garden affordable housing rehabilitation project. Council member Tom Stone moved to adopt the staff and Human Relations Commission recommendation; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.

Emergency ordinance implementing SB 1123 (AA-1)
The council adopted a temporary urgency ordinance to align Title 18 and Title 21 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code with recent changes in state law under Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), which extends ministerial approvals for small multifamily development to specified single-family parcels and establishes timelines for ministerial subdivisions. The ordinance clarifies which objective development standards apply, defines fees and process for applicants using the ministerial pathway, and preserves local discretion where state law allows.

Staff noted the ordinance allows developers to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or, in some permutations, junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) on qualifying parcels; council members discussed limiting options to JADUs but ultimately adopted staff-drafted language that preserves the developer’s option. The motion passed unanimously.

Items pulled from consent and public comments
A member of the public requested that consent item 9 (synthetic turf contract) be pulled for discussion; speakers raised concerns about PFAS testing and environmental review. Council member Burt requested item 7 be pulled; members discussed funding and contract amounts during the consent vote prior to approval. City staff said a supplemental memo addressing PFAS testing for the turf product was provided to council.

No measures were placed on the meeting agenda for immediate implementation beyond the actions above; staff will return to council with required ordinance language for permanent zoning code updates and additional follow-ups as the state law’s implementation timeline proceeds.","At its June 9 meeting the Palo Alto City Council approved the consent calendar, adopted the 2025–26 CDBG annual action plan and passed a temporary urgency ordinance updating zoning rules to implement California Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), including provisions governing ministerial ADU/JADU approvals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Business owners and residents urge Palo Alto to keep Cal Ave parklets and tents, warn against switching to umbrellas

Palo Alto poll shows tentative support for Cubberley overhaul; council plans more community testing

Palo Alto council approves consent calendar, CDBG annual plan and emergency ordinance to implement state ADU law