JUNE 11 TOWN HALL SUMMARY & FOLLOW-UP
FIRE SAFETY
- Residents noted concerns with emergency evacuation limitations of Palo Alto Hills and Miranda, and shared interest in the possibility of a regional evacuation drill. Staff opens Gate 5 in Palo Alto Foothills Nature Preserve to help with traveling out of the area in an emergency. There are City procedures of when this would occur, and following these discussions, staff committed to increase awareness about this to Palo Alto Hills residents.
- Staff noted that annually the City partners with the Fire Safe Council to complete roadside clearance in Palo Alto Hills. Fire Safe Council is the project manager and evacuation routes are a priority. Residents can report concerns via email at fire@paloalto.gov, calling (650) 329-2184 or using PaloAlto311.
- New wildfire sensors have been installed West of 280 to help with early detection of a fire. As a direct result of a partnership with Stanford University, Woodside Fire District, the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, there are 50 sensors installed (25 at Stanford, 13 in Portola Valley, and 12 in Palo Alto). Learn more at: https://www.paloalto.gov/WildfireSensors
- There was general agreement from residents that evaluating a gate to Foothill Expressway from Miranda Avenue would be of interest. As a direct result of the meeting, City Manager Shikada reached out to the County to start discussions. City Public Works Department will take the lead to evaluate this option as a capital improvement project.
- Residents that leave their homes in an evacuation should leave notes on the front door or somewhere visible that they have left and/or if there are pets inside. Details will be added to the Office of Emergency Services webpage, under safety tips. Staff will also include reminders as part of their annual wildfire safety educational information.
- Staff confirmed details about the vegetation and pump house fire earlier on the afternoon of June 11 and encouraged the community to sign up for emergency alerts, Police Nixle, follow Watch Duty and Pulse Point. Staff noted that this fire specifically was responded to by Santa Clara County Fire, with Palo Alto Fire and Palo Alto Rangers assisting.
- Following questions about clearing vegetation in and around Arastradero Open Space Preserves, staff mentioned that there is limited crew availability to clear vegetation and the Palo Alto Rangers partnered with CALFIRE previously. Noting, it is a tough area to service requiring many personnel given terrain and harsh conditions. Recent efforts included pushing vegetation back 200 feet from houses in 2023. Palo Alto Ranger’s support fire fuel reduction annually and partner with Palo Alto Fire, Public Works, and Utilities. Staff is working to secure CALFIRE or other partners for this summer’s vegetation clearing.
Evacuation Safety & Procedures
- Staff shared details about staying informed before, during and after an emergency through signing up for emergency alerts, following Police Nixle, and City social media. Staff also mentioned the Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven) to provide specific, timely and accurate information regarding evacuations. Know Your Zone: Esther Clark Park (PA-051), Miranda (PA-052), Palo Alto Hills (PA-050, PA-040, PA-041, PA-042, PA-043, PA-044, and PA-045). Find more details here.
- Staff shared details about the recent City updates to fire safety plans and committed to sharing the updated Fire Hazard Mitigation Plan once posted online. Office of Emergency Services added the draft plan on June 20, 2025 at www.paloalto.gov/wildfire.
- Following concerns and questions about the eucalyptus tree clearing in Arastradero Open Space Preserves, staff followed up that there are both wildfire mitigation plans with the removal of trees and plans for replanting/additional vegetation to be added.
Utility Reliability & Safety
- Staff shared details about recent Utilities projects to help support enhanced reliability and safety including undergrounding the Palo Alto Hills totaling $11 million. In addition, a long-term project to add a second transmission corridor serving Palo Alto was recently added to the statewide transmission plan.
- Neighbors inquired about the tower that is behind Fire Station 8 at Foothills Nature Preserve, noting interest in extending cell service in Palo Alto Hills neighborhood. City Manager Shikada noted that this may be of interest to cell service providers and encouraged residents to speak to their service providers.
- Residents in the Miranda neighborhood noted power lines that run parallel to the road with tree limbs covering the lines. Staff mentioned that clearing is focused on ensuring safety of primary and secondary lines and that many of the tree limbs noted were communications lines. Staff’s priority is to clear hazardous and safety concerns. Encouraged residents to report concerns through PaloAlto311.
Housing, Lot Divisions, Other
- Stream corridor protection concerns were raised, specifically in the Esther Clark Park neighborhood, noting setbacks could be challenging for some. Staff noted that hardship exemptions are included in the City’s draft regulations. This item will be returning to the City Council in August. Track these discussions at www.paloalto.gov/councilagendas
- Staff gave an update on the vacant property in the Miranda neighborhood, noting the 1.5-acre development of up to 20 units is a ministerial action. The City does not have discretion as State law prevails. This regulation is intended for middle income family though staff noted there is no income requirement. Depending on the type of project that ends up at this location, there may be residential notification required.
- There was interest in learning more about the City’s proposed ordinance regarding bird safe glass requirements and window specifications. This will not be applied retroactively, only looking ahead and shared that this item is also slated for Council consideration in August. Track these Council discussions at www.paloalto.gov/councilagendas.
Miranda Street Maintenance & General Reporting
- Staff encouraged residents to report sidewalk or street maintenance issues via PaloAlto311, noting that Miranda Ave was maintained about 9 years ago and currently rated as in good condition, though staff encouraged sharing and reporting concerns. Staff also noted that while each department has a different level of review of community concerns reported through PaloAlto311; all are committed to following up. Residents can always email Ed Shikada directly if they are not hearing back at Ed.Shikada@paloalto.gov.
- A resident reported that a street in Palo Alto Hills has a damaged surveying monument. Public Works maintains these and staff requested more details to follow-up.
- Miranda Avenue residents raised concerns about speeding and requested details on how to add speed bumps or speed traffic. Also noted safety concerns with children crossing Arastradero. Staff encouraged using PaloAlto311 to report issues or by calling the non-emergency dispatch number at 650-329-2413. Additionally, the public can submit traffic issues via the police department’s web portal.
Find the meeting agenda and flyers.
Of note, flyers on the following topics were specifically requested by neighborhood leaders:
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