Please retain the Caltrain Quiet Zone as an active Capital Improvement
Project, despite funding uncertainties. Hundreds of residents have voiced
support for establishing Quiet Zones at Caltrain crossings in Menlo Park to
improve quality of life – especially for those living near the tracks.
Upcoming developments like the SRI/Parkline project and potential
redevelopment of downtown parking lots will bring even more residents who
would benefit from quieter crossings. In addition to being a livability
issue, this is a key opportunity to support downtown revitalization.
Additional Comments:
· *Project Page Communication: *Please add an option to receive
updates specifically about the Caltrain Quiet Zone project. Currently, only
general subscription options are available.
· *Public Notice Practices: *Tonight’s staff report references
publication of a notice in *The Examiner* (May 31) citing Government Code
Section: 29080. However, *The Examiner* has little to no known circulation
in Menlo Park. How many local residents actually subscribe or pick up free
copies? For meaningful public outreach, why not use more locally read
publications like *The Almanac, San Mateo Daily Journal* or the *Palo Alto
Daily Post? *
Continued Comments on City Priorities and Opportunities
·
*New Funding Models: *I recommend exploring Portola Valley’s innovative
approach to increasing funding through private donations. Menlo Park is
home to at least one billionaire and many ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
A former colleague of mine from the City’s Finance & Audit Commission had
access to detailed data and noted that the concentration of wealth in our
community is truly remarkable. According to the June 6, 2025 issue of
*Peninsula
News*, Portola Valley recently established the Portola Valley Fund—a
resident-founded nonprofit organization—to support specific public projects
through private fundraising. Menlo Park might benefit from studying this
model and considering whether a similar initiative could be adapted to our
local context.
·
*Shared Services Opportunities: *In addition to emergency preparedness,
Menlo Park should explore shared service models in other areas. A strong
candidate is joining the San Mateo County Libraries Joint Powers Authority
(JPA). The 13 member libraries benefit from shared programming and reduced
overhead costs. If Menlo Park joined, residents would gain access to
broader programs at libraries in Atherton, East Palo Alto, Portola Valley,
and beyond. The JPA’s governance model also increases transparency and
encourages regional collaboration. At a minimum, the concept warrants
formal evaluation.
-
*Elevating Public Trust Through Community Surveys: *After nearly 20 years
of active civic engagement in Menlo Park, I believe its time to reinstate
a Community Satisfaction Survey, conducted by a professional firm like
Polco, which specializes in local government research. This would provide
objective, comparable data to assess city performance over time.
Neighboring cities like Palo Alto already conduct annual surveys, as noted
on their website. A systematic survey effort would ensure a more
representative cross-section of community voices and provide actionable
insights to guide Council and staff decisions.
-
*Emergency Contingency Reserve Protection: *I urge the City to preserve the
full balance of the Emergency Contingency Reserve. We face genuine
risks—especially from earthquakes—and must prepare for significant
financial exposure in the aftermath. Menlo Park has many "soft-story"
residential buildings known to be at high risk of collapse. Some may have
been weakened in the 1989 earthquake, as noted by SPUR, yet retrofitting
remains unaddressed. In the event of a disaster, the City may face both
humanitarian responsibilities and potential liability for past inaction. A
well-funded reserve would be essential in either case. (Reference:
*Emergency
Response and Emergency Management Law: Cases and Materials*, 2nd
Edition. William C. Nicholson, ESQ.)
Sincerely,
Lynne Bramlett
