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• New Rideshare Service Palo Alto Link Hits the Streets March 7
• Share Ideas about a Recreation Wellness Center
• Learn About Automated License Plate Recognition Technology That May Be Considered to Assist in Criminal Investigations
• Take Climate Action at Upcoming Events
• Weekly City Manager Updates: February 27, 2023

New Rideshare Service Palo Alto Link Hits the Streets March 7

Rolling into Palo Alto soon is the City’s new rideshare service, Palo Alto Link. Launching March 7, easily book an affordable rideshare to almost anywhere within the City of Palo Alto directly from your smartphone or by making a phone call. Get picked up in a sleek eco-friendly vehicle, and go shopping, commute, or get to appointments without needing to drive. All rides from March 7 – April 7 are free. Learn more about Palo Alto Link and download the app at www.cityofpaloalto.org/PaloAltoLink.

Share Ideas about a Recreation Wellness Center

The City is considering a proposal for a new Recreation Wellness Center (gym) from the Parks and Recreation Commission. Attend a meeting on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center to provide input on topics such as location, facility amenities, and potential programming. An online survey will also be available if you miss the in-person meeting.

Learn About Automated License Plate Recognition Technology that May Be Considered to Assist in Criminal Investigations

The Police Department presented initial information to the City Council and the community on the potential use of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology last fall. Attend a virtual information session on March 9 at 6 p.m. to learn more and share feedback in advance of staff returning to the Council in early April for consideration of using this technology to deter criminal activity and assist in criminal investigations.

Take Climate Action at Upcoming Events

There are many ways to act locally, even as close as your backyard, to begin having a global impact on climate change. On March 9, Climate Neutral Cities – It Starts with You and Me, (part of Bifrost Summit 2023) offers attendees an opportunity to learn about making sustainable cities. Bring out your garden's inner jungle by making your own compost at a free workshop. Share ways to take climate action in your home with your neighbors is a great way to volunteer, educate, and inform by joining Palo Alto 350 for an electric water heater canvas on March 11-12. It takes us all doing what we can to impact climate change. Find these events and more here.

Weekly City Manager Updates: February 27, 2023

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada shares brief updates highlighting details about upcoming events, City services, and City Council discussions planned. This week marked the end of the State’s coronavirus state of emergency. The annual Palo Alto Art Center Family Day is this coming Sunday, March 5, with a focus on water sustainability and celebrates Arbor Day. Notable items coming to Council include Palo Alto Airport study session, an ordinance regulating firearms in sensitive areas, a discussion of parklets, and more. Read this week’s update.

Tai Chi in the Neighborhood: Enjoy the park-like serenity at Rinconada Library while learning Tai Chi on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. In this weekly class, participants learn the basic principles and philosophy behind Tai Chi, gaining flexibility and a better sense of balance, through slow and gentle movement. This program is open to all ages; participants must sign in upon arrival.

Are You Truly Listening? There are many things competing for our attention that might leave our listening skills a tad neglected. Have a read on mindful listening and see if there’s something new to learn that could improve communication in your life.

Recipe of the Week: Get your vegetables in with this chickpea pasta with mushrooms and kale recipe, serving up more fiber and protein than regular pasta. Of course, regular pasta can be used for traditional tastes, the mushroom and kale additions still offer flavor to the base pasta.

March BioBlitz for Beginners: Come explore the beautiful tidal marsh areas of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge to learn about the Refuge and the iNaturalist App on Saturday, March 4 at 10 a.m. With this community science platform, you will get a guided experience observing and identifying our local flora and fauna. All you need is a smartphone, comfortable outdoor-wear, and two hours of your time! Register for the BioBlitz here.

Family Day at the Art Center: This Sunday, March 5 is Family Day and Arbor Day celebration at the Palo Alto Art Center. Visit this fun event for children and families from 2 – 4:30 p.m. to make art and learn about water conservation. Learn more.

Mural Documentary: Meet the Filmmakers: Cañada College invites the community to a view new documentary about the Victor Arnatoff WPA murals at George Washington High School in San Francisco. On Tuesday, March 7 at 4 p.m. in person at Cañada College, Filmmakers Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman will participate in a question and answer session after the film.

Community Meeting: Boulware Park Public Art: Meet artists Russell Rock and Jeanine Centuori to share your input about Boulware Park and the Ventura Neighborhood on Wednesday, March 8 at 5 p.m. UrbanRock Design has been commissioned to create artwork for the Boulware Park and Birch Street Property Renovation Project. Learn more here.

Virtual Junior Rangers: All Santa Clara County youth ages 7-12 are invited to join Santa Clara County Park staff after school via Zoom for Virtual Junior Rangers. An interactive series of 40-minute Junior Ranger sessions take place at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday from March 14-March 23. Registration is open until March 10. Find more information including how to register here.