City Council Candidate Statements
Palo Alto City Council Candidate Statements:
Statement of Wei Wang, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council memberOccupation: Software Consultant Age: 49
As a vigorous fighter to protect residential neighborhoods from adjacent intensive non-residential development since 1996, I have insight of how the City kept wasting taxpayer's money and resources to manipulate issues.
Being part of the new high-tech generation with a background in Computer Engineering since i975, I want to offer fairness and effectiveness for people to get involved in issues that affect their neighborhood.
Both sides of an issue shall be offered.
1) Equal access to all the details of a project as soon as they are received by the City: a) All documents (including legal documents) shall be posted online. b) An online conference for mock test for everyone shall be set up for each project when the application is submitted.
2) Fairness in expressing their opinions at each hearing: a) Both sides shall be allowed to respond to all staff comments before the fina1 vote. b) Taped hearings shall be available for viewing online for at least l0 years. c) Hearing notice shall be given at least 3 weeks ahead. d) Estimated starting time for each agenda item shall also be given 3 days ahead.
Statement of Mark Sabin, Candidate for City Council
Occupation: Sales Manager Age: 49
Education and Qualifications:
Born in Utah, Mark Sabin graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics (Weber State University, Ogden Utah, 1976). Upon graduation, Mark served as a VISTA Volunteer in Arkansas. During the '70s he was also a political organizer.
Mark moved to the mid-peninsula in 1982. For the past ten years Mark has been national sales manager for The Patnaude Group, a corporate training company. Mark joined the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce in 1991. As a member of their Government Action Council (GAC) he gained a deeper understanding of the community. Mark recently chaired the GAC and is currently the Chamber's Chair Elect.
When approached to run, Mark felt it important to answer two questions: "Has my experience and insight prepared me for the challenge?" and "Can I be of service?" From his experience in the Chamber and as a resident, Mark firmly believes Palo Alto is not just the environment, quality schools, Stanford, clean, quiet streets nor is it our dynamic history and far reaching contributions to the world. Palo Alto is the spirit, creativity and passion that created and sustains all of these things. This is the Palo Alto Mark is ready to serve.
Statement of Edmund Power, Candidate for City Council, City of Palo Alto
Occupation: Retired Age:83
Education and qualifications:
A.A. in Mechanical Engineering plus studies in Mathematics and Metallurgy.
I have been a close follower of the news regarding municipal politics for many years and an activist in seeking to bring about beneficial changes in local government with the aim of bringing a greater degree of democracy to the city by way of increasing the amount of honest intercourse between the city's government and it's citizens.
Statement of Victor Ojakian, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council member
Occupation: Project Manager, Hewlett Packard; Palo Alto City Vice Mayor Age:54
Married; four children; University of California, Berkeley, BA; Member/Liaison: Finance and Audit Committees; City/School Liaison Committee; Palo Alto Community Child Care; Park and Recreation Commission; East Palo Alto Liaison Committee; Planning Commissioner (1992-1997); Neighborhood Association Officer; Downtown Farmers' Market co-founder; youth athletic coach and commissioner (1981-1998). Check: http://www.nanospace.com/~ojakian/
As a.25-year resident and City Councilmember, I stand for strong neighborhood character, excellent services and programs, and fiscal responsibility. I've met, listened to, and worked with people of differing viewpoints. I supported: affordable housing; youth and senior services; cooperative city/school relations; traffic safety efforts; sound financial practices; emergency preparedness initiatives; public safety measures; energy reliability plans; and environmental policies.
With your vote, I'll continue working for: reliable energy sources; refurbished parks, buildings, and streets; more youth programs; better flood control measures; enhanced library services; a tree-lined E1 Camino Real; e-government services; improved open space trails; strong PAUSD relations; an updated Zoning Ordinance. I appreciate your support.
Statement of Jack Morton, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council member
Jack Morton, Phd, CPA
59, Owner, Morton & Associates, Inc., One son, 28-year resident of Palo Alto
Community Involvement: Founding Member, President, Palo Alto Recreation Foundation; Founder, President, Community Skating, Inc.; Board Member, Morissey-Compton Educational Center; Former Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Former member PAUSD Finance Advisory Committee, Former Youth Sports Coach.
In recent years, Palo Alto has struggled with fiscal issues that impact-both basic and special City services. I am running to help preserve the qualities that make Palo Alto unique. I will work to Strengthen the responsiveness of City government to Community interests while at the same time using my financial experience to provide the professional oversight needed to preserve the full range of services Palo Altans have historically enjoyed -- Parks, Libraries, Community Centers, Arts & Recreation Programs. As the accountant for many Community Organizations, I understand their needs and the importance of their services. I have demonstrated my leadership and effectiveness in Community Serving Organizations; and with your support, I will bring those qualities to the City Council to effectively address the key issues that we Palo Altans face -- Neighborhood Protection, Traffic, Housing and Environmental Preservation.
Statement of Yoriko Kishimoto, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council
Occupation: Management consultant and author of The Third Century: America's Resurgence in the Asian Era Age: 46
Education and Qualifications:
Like many of you, our family moved to Palo Alto for its unbeatable combination of world-class sophistication, generous open space, and a small-town environment for raising children and developing lifelong friendships and ties.
As a Council Member, I would work to protect these qualities of our community, as I have over the past 10 years as an active community leader. With two school age children, I have served on the Addison school site council, Girl Scouts as co-leader, and as treasurer of Hidden Villa Board of Trustees. I chaired the Transportation Committee of the city's Comprehensive Plan advisory group. Currently, I am President of University South Neighborhoods Group.
With my Stanford MBA and 15 years as a smal1 business owner, I will promote a common sense approach to government spending and accountability. My background in the US-Japan technology business gives me an understanding of the global and economic setting for Palo Alto and the Bay Area.
I have a passion for walkable neighborhoods, high environmental standards, and new approaches to old problems. With your support, I will put my experience, expertise and leadership in land use and transportation to work on our common visions for Palo Alto. www.Yoriko2001.org
Statement of Chris Kelly
B.A., Georgetown; M.A., Yale; J.D., Harvard
I have always felt a special connection to our community, which I made initially from accompanying my parents to work in Palo Alto while growing up. Before returning in 1998, I worked at the White House and the U.S. Department of Education. I practiced law at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati before serving as Chief Privacy Officer at Excite@Home, and have participated in Rebuilding Together and the Palo Alto Rotary Club. As a member of the Council, I want to:
Build a livable community -- We must control traffic, protect neighborhoods, respect the environment, add affordable housing, and make the city more pedestrian/bicycle friendly.
Enhance the City-schools relationship -- I wil1 use my experience in education to build partnerships between the City and our schools.
Serve seniors -- Palo Alto's senior services must be modernized for our aging population.
Make government accountable to our citizens -- We need to review city processes and use technology to serve citizens affordably and quickly. Palo Alto should be a leader in electronic government, and I will work to make it happen. www.electchriskelly.org
Statement of Litsie Indergand, Candidate for Member, Palo Alto City Council
Occupation: Retired
Education and Qualifications: Attended Polytechnic High, San Francisco and UC Berkeley. Have lived in Palo Alto more than 20 years.
Homeowners Association, President l990-'94, board member to present, United Nations Association Northern California Division, Treasurer 1992-'95, 1996-'99, Mid-Peninsula Chapter, President 2000-'01, Palo Alto Human Relations Commission, member 1995-2001, Community Working Group for Homeless Services, board member 1998 to present, Treasurer 1999 - present, Member of Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), Santa Clara County Housing Coalition, Mid-Peninsula YWCA Public Policy Committee.
My diverse experience has included preserving the character of my neighborhood, being instrumental in launching a rotating homeless shelter, advocating for affordable housing, tenants' rights, anti-discrimination issues of all kinds, senior, teen, and children's issues, as well as traffic and housing. The Community Working Group is making great strides toward building the Opportunity Center of the Mid-Peninsula.
My voice on City Council wil1 be strong for the neediest people yet will be balanced by protecting the quality of life for all of us in this city we love.
Statement of Pria Graves, Candidate for Council Member, City of Palo Alto
Occupations: Community Activist, Artist Age: 49
Education and Qualifications:
B.A., UC Santa Cruz; M.B.A., University of Santa Clara; Leadership Mid-Peninsula; Palo Alto Neighborhood Disaster Assistance (PANDA). College Terrace Residents' Association, Coordinator & Webmaster (1996-2001); Future of Single Family Neighborhoods Advisory Group (2000-2001); Share Our Streets steering committee (2000-2001).
Palo Alto has always had a reputation for our wonderful quality of life. Yet currently many of the things that make our city so special are being lost.
We need to find creative ways to protect the unique character of our neighborhoods, to preserve our community services and our vibrant local retail areas. We need to make our streets safe and inviting for walkers and cyclists, to calm traffic and expand transportation alternatives. We must address the balance between jobs and housing, considering ways both to control job creation and to increase our available housing. And we need to plan in a way that will allow Palo Alto to thrive in a sustainable way well into the future. I am committed to this task.
Please visit my web site: www.PriaForCouncil.org. Your vote will allow me to work for you and for Palo Alto, protecting our quality of life. Thank you.
Statement of Victor Frost, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council
Occupation: Homeless Advocate, Underwater Miner, TV Producer, Panhandler
Education and Qualifications:
Foothill College, College of San Mateo, Humboldt State University, Sony Technology Center, Mainstream Coordinator, Quality Control Engineer, Japanese Management Disciplines, Internet Law.
A common man, for common people, with common sense. Fighting for a better Democracy in Palo Alto. Fighting for the rights of the Homeless and a New Homeless Center. Fighting Corruption and Indifference in City Hall. Will Install binding Internet elections for public office, and issues (solar and wind living, education, traffic, etc.). This Is the only way that infocus transparencies can make for a deeper meaning in our lives. In our Democracy we must look to the future and not the past for answers. If elected, I will uphold my oath of office and defend our constitutional rights!
To this I do swear, Victor Frost
www.votepaloalto.com
Note: A free Bar-B-Q for all Palo Alto voters.....(yes)
Statement of Hillary Freeman, Candidate for Council Member, City of Palo Alto
Occupation: Business Manager Age: 44
Education and Qualifications:
B.S., Marine Biology, Florida Institute of Technology; all coursework for M.S., Fisheries Biology, Iowa State. Married, 2 school-age children. Board of Directors, YMCA Palo Alto; Founder, Libraries Now!; youth athletics coach; Board of Directors, Children's Theatre; University South Neighborhood Group; Parent Network Coordinator; Chair, School Site Council; Executive Board, PTA & PTA Council.
I am committed to serving our community. I will strive to: (1) balance competing jobs, housing and services demands, including impacts on traffic, overcrowded schools/community facilities, and retail loss; (2) protect and Strengthen community assets and quality of life like libraries, parks, trees, open space and walkable neighborhoods; (3) support appropriate affordable housing; (4) create mutually beneficial and sustainable solutions through partnerships with schools, Stanford, nonprofits and business; (5) proactively solicit citizen's input; (6) advocate for seniors, families and youth.
Your input will shape the future of our Palo Alto. I appreciate your support. www.hillaryfreeman.org
Statement of Sandy Eakins, Candidate for Member, Palo Alto City Council
Occupation: Co-owner and Manager, EOS (Computer Sales) Age 63
Education and Qualifications:
B.A., Wellesley College; M.S.S.W, Boston University; M.B.A, University of Santa Clara; Palo Alto Mayor and Councilmember; Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board, regional rail boards; Planning Commission Member: Comprehensive Plan Advisory committee Co-chair; Public Art Commission Chair; California League of Cities revenue and Taxation Policy Committee.
I have listened and learned during my first term. My first goal for Palo Alto is to promote community vitality with enhanced neighborhood and retail protection, improved alternative transportation as well as robust community services and fine schools. Additionally, I will concentrate on fiscal challenges including our long-range financial plan, revenues and investments, to keep the city strong. We need to care for our parks, civic buildings, and libraries as well as streets, sidewalks and sewers. Third, I will continue to work for Palo Alto regionally for improved transportation, affordable housing and treasured natural resources, especially the Hetch Hetchy water system.
Because our fine city continues to experience pressures for change, it needs leaders with vision, knowledge, experience and commitment. I have these attributes. I ask for your vote so that I may work with you for the city's future.
Statement of Jim Burch, Candidate for Member, Palo Alto City Council
Occupation: Palo Alto City Council Member Age: 75
Education and Qualifications:
When I asked for your vote two years ago, I promised to commit my full time and experience to Palo Alto issues. And I've been doing just that, spending an average of 40-50 hours each week on City business. In addition to Council meetings, I serve as liaison to or member of these Boards, Commissions and organizations: Council's Policy and Services Committee, California Avenue Area Development Association, City/School Liaison Committee, Avenidas Senior Center, Neighbors Abroad, Council Appointed Officers Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water District Advisory Group, Silicon Valley Community Communications (SVCC), and Historic Resources Board.
Creating a sustainable, livable, and vital Palo Alto is my first priority.
I will continue promoting "green" buildings and renewable energy, protecting our environment, fighting to retain open space, and working hard for new initiatives -- the library master plan, expanding the shuttle, and-seeking housing for teachers and city workers. I'll make sure that our streets, parks and facilities are renewed on schedule, speak out against the idea that "bigger is always better," and look for innovative ways to help solve problems with traffic and residential development. With your support, I'll continue to work fulltime for a Palo Alto that is worthy of all its citizens.
Teachers and other staff at the Palo Alto Unified School District are getting 7% raises under an agreement reached Tuesday, Palo Alto OnLine reported.
The raises are retroactive to the start of the academic year, the website reported. They are also larger than raises given in previous rounds of bargaining.
In a separate vote Tuesday, district trustees also unanimously approved 5% raises, plus 2% one-time payments, for each of the district’s six top administrators: the superintendent, deputy superintendent, chief business officer, assistant superintendent of equity and student affairs, assistant superintendent of education services, secondary, and assistant superintendent of education services, elementary.
“I think they’re healthy raises that reflect the economic conditions of both the district and the marketplace,” board member Todd Collins said.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 10:01 am
New grants support early childhood educator training
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 7:53 am
Can teachers tap into natural curiosity to fuel learning?
Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 12:59 pm
Affordable housing for teachers breaks ground in Palo Alto
Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 11:15 am
Orange Unified to consider notifying parents if students are transgender
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Update: The Midtown Residents Association in Palo Alto has launched a petition urging the city of Palo Alto to “do everything in its power, capabilities, and creativity to help find a solution with the property owners that will ensure this locally owned restaurant continues operation in its current Midtown neighborhood location.”
After 29 years of business in Palo Alto, Mike’s Diner Bar faces eviction, because owner Mike Wallau paid rent a day late following a family medical emergency.
His rent was due July 17, but he was unable to drop off the rent check until the following day, he said, because he was at the hospital with his disabled daughter.
In a letter dated July 20, his property manager, Eugenia Seraia of Ventana Property Services, returned his rent check of $22,052.81 and told him the property owners had initiated the eviction process.
Wallau is working with his lawyers to request a halt to the eviction proceedings. In the meantime, the Midtown neighborhood and the city of Palo Alto are looking for ways to rally their support for the longtime eatery and for Wallau. If the eviction proceeds, Mike’s Diner Bar will be the latest in a run of business closures that have faced the neighborhood, which has lost 15 businesses in five years and has still not recovered from the pandemic’s economic effects.
Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou said that the city manager’s office is discussing the possibility of mediation, but isn’t there yet. She said she’d encourage the owners to “rethink this a little bit more. This is a loved restaurant here in Palo Alto.”
Speaking as a real estate professional, she added, many lease agreements offer a grace period for rent payments, but she didn’t know the details of Wallau’s contract.
“It seems a little bit intense,” she said.
About five years ago, Wallau took on a project to renovate the restaurant, expanding into the former Peninsula Hardware store. All told, he spent about $2 million and more than two years on the project. He reopened about eight months before the pandemic lockdowns began, and during the pandemic, his restaurant remained closed for 17 months.
“Ever since then, it’s been over three years of trying to appease the property owners,” he said. “All I know is that ever since COVID hit, they have not been happy, and I’ve not felt welcome.”
He added that he’s also noticed a marked deterioration in his relationship with the property owners since the previous owners died and the property passed to a group of inheritors, listed as Scher Holdings LLC and Finebaum Surviving Spouse’s Trust on the eviction letter. The relationship also stands in stark contrast to the positive interactions he’s had as a restaurateur at Portola Kitchen in Portola Valley, where the property owners “worked with me every step of the way,” he said.
Property manager Eugenia Seraia and owner Scher Holdings LLC have not yet responded to requests for comment.
This isn’t the first time a late rent payment has triggered the threat of eviction for Mike’s Diner Bar. Last August, the owners filed paperwork with the Santa Clara County Superior Court alleging that Wallau owed $19,000 in back rent. Ultimately, he agreed to pay the back rent, submit rent on time and cover the owners’ attorney fees of about $5,000. That pushed his monthly rent up to around $25,000 as he paid the back rent over time, he said.
“I’ve been a good tenant for 29 years,” he said. “I’ve served my community and donated to every church, school and Little League team. These are the kind of businesses that support neighborhoods.”
Mike’s Diner Bar is the “crown jewel” of Palo Alto’s Midtown neighborhood, which has fallen on hard times recently, said Len Filppu, head of the Fairmeadow Neighborhood Association.
“I don’t understand how this landlord would do this unfriendly move to a longtime tenant that has been around and loved by the patrons,” said Louise Furutsuki, who serves as a liaison between Midtown restaurants and businesses with the Midtown Residents Association. “It’s so shocking.”
According to Furutsuki, the neighborhood has lost 15 businesses in the last five or six years. Two — a yoga shop and a printing store — closed in the last three months. A third of those 15 businesses are still vacant, and many of the new businesses in those spaces offer personal services rather than retail, she said.
The neighborhood took another hit in February when a fire destroyed four Midtown businesses: Bill’s Cafe, AJ’s Quick Clean Center, Philz Coffee and Palo Alto Fine Wine, adding still more devastation to the tally of still-vacant storefronts.
“The Midtown commercial district is probably going through the most challenging time it ever has,” Wallau said.
Midtown Palo Alto has long struggled to draw the kind of businesses that are popular in the city’s other business districts. The business district is considered in decline, according to a recent economic development report for the city by consulting group Streetsense. Midtown contributed less than 1% to Palo Alto’s overall sales tax revenue in the 2021-22 fiscal year; Stanford Shopping Center, Town & Country Village, downtown Palo Alto and California Avenue were all bigger contributors, the report added.
There were steps afoot to turn things around. Wallau had stepped up to revitalize the Midtown Merchants Association and had used his restaurant to host a Chamber of Commerce mixer and a planning session to boost Midtown businesses.Seeing Wallau’s longtime restaurant face eviction is “just devastating,” said Annette Glanckopf, vice chair the Midtown Residents Association, noting that it seems to be part of a larger trend of property owners “not even respecting the fact that it’s a mom and pop store.”
“It really is putting a stake in the heart of retail,” she said. “The question is, what is the next business to fail?”
Correction: A previous version of this story identified Annette Glanckopf as leader of the Midtown Residents Association. She is the vice chair.
