Palo Alto Mediation Program outlines services; commission backs library "Know Your Rights" event and fast-track city co-sponsorships

Co-chairs of the Palo Alto Mediation Program and staff from Project Sentinel briefed the Human Relations Commission on Nov. 13 about mediation, conciliation and program statistics, then answered commissioners’ questions about outreach, liability and partnerships.

Gretchen Worley and Jill Barsley (co-chairs) and Carol Khan (Project Sentinel executive director) said the program has about 16 mediators (13 active), requires a 40‑hour training for panelists, uses a co‑mediation model and emphasizes confidentiality and neutral facilitation. Project Sentinel is the administrator and handles intake and case assignment.

Presenters said the program’s caseload has shifted since the pandemic: whereas neighbor–neighbor disputes (fences, parking) were common previously, the majority of recent cases are landlord–tenant matters such as rent increases, repair disputes and security deposit claims. Project Sentinel reported roughly 283 unduplicated clients and 48 mediations/case developer assignments in fiscal year 2024–25, and said the panel resolves or conciles a large share of assigned cases (presenters cited a roughly 75–80% success rate for cases they take).

Speakers described practical accommodations used in difficult cases — meeting on a porch for a party with immunosuppression, conducting backyard mediations for parties with agoraphobia, or conciliation conducted by text when a tenant refused Zoom — and emphasized the need for trained interpreters. Project Sentinel noted it provides information and referrals but does not provide legal advice; mediators and Project Sentinel staff reiterated that mediation agreements are not legal advice and that Project Sentinel maintains general liability coverage for volunteer mediators.

Commissioners asked how the public learns about PAMP; presenters said outreach is a mix of word‑of‑mouth, library and community tabling, print ads in local publications, and digital outreach. They also noted partnerships with Stanford’s Haas Center for Public Service and county court mediation programs and said they sometimes contract to provide mediation/conciliation services to other cities.

Action items: the commission voted unanimously to support a library "Know Your Rights" event, led by the Day Worker Center and libraries, after a motion and second. Later the commission voted unanimously to adopt a fast‑track process permitting city departments to request HRC support directly from the chair and vice chair when timing makes the full commission schedule impractical; staff may refer such requests to the full commission at their discretion.

What’s next: Commissioners suggested ongoing outreach to RV/vehicle‑dwelling communities and city departments to publicize mediation resources; Project Sentinel offered brochures in English, Spanish and Chinese for distribution.