Weekly Digest for Feb. 6, 2023   

This week's features

• Recent storm damage? Apply for disaster assistance
• Recruitment is open for advisory body vacancies
• Proposed Zero Emission Landscaping Equipment rules
• Upcoming selection of bikeway design for Middle Avenue 
• Tree pilot project – a safer alternative to decomposed granite

Upcoming public meetings and events

• Monday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.
  Melanated Women Read: Memphis: a Novel by Tara Stringfellow
• Monday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
  Planning Commission meeting
• Tuesday, Feb. 7, Noon
  English Conversation Club
• Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.
  City Council meeting
• Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.
  Complete Streets Commission meeting
• Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
  Environmental Justice and Safety Element community meeting (English)
• Friday, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.
  Teen Event: Art Worm
• Friday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.
  Environmental Justice and Safety Element community meeting (Español)
• Saturday, Feb. 11, Noon
  Black Liberation Month Celebration
• Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m.
  Young Adult Novelist Convention
• Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m.
  City Council meeting
• City calendar
  View all upcoming events

Recent storm damage? Apply for disaster assistance

Homeowners and renters in San Mateo County with damage or losses due to the series of New Year’s storms can apply for federal disaster assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, child care, and moving and storage expenses. The application period is open until March 16, 2023…Click to continue

Recruitment is open for advisory body vacancies

The City has openings on several commissions and committees! By serving on a City commission, you can participate in local government and help plan the future. Commissions serve as a conduit for citizen input – a way of gathering, analyzing and recommending options to the City Council on policy matter. Recognizing the vast talent of our community, the City asks community members to step forward and serve our City on a commission or committee. Menlo Park residents over…Click to continue

Proposed Zero Emission Landscaping Equipment rules 

Menlo Park residents want the City to address noise and air pollution caused by gas powered gardening equipment with proposed new rules for zero emission equipment. The City Council will decide on new rules in April or May 2023. If approved: 1) Use of gas-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers (weed whackers) will not be allowed starting July 2024. 2) Use of other gas-powered gardening equipment such as chain saws, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers would not be allowed starting…Click to continue

Upcoming selection of bikeway design for Middle Avenue

Please join staff and City Council on Feb. 14, 2023, at the City Council meeting to receive an update on the Middle Avenue Complete Street project for the selection of a preferred bikeway design. The Middle Avenue Complete Street project is a City Council priority with the following objectives: 1) Enhance bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and improve safety of all street users. 2) Provide safe and comfortable cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and encourage sustainable mode of transportation…Click to continue

Tree pilot project – a safer alternative to decomposed granite

Menlo Park recently installed pea gravel at two trees in front of the Bagel Street Café in downtown Menlo Park. The pea gravel is sealed with a tree safe binder which is more durable than decomposed granite. Pea gravel is low maintenance, promotes water drainage and is versatile. Pea gravel accommodates trunk growth, prevents tripping hazards and reduces maintenance. If successful, the pilot project will expand to other downtown street trees. Check out the pilot project in front of the…Click to continue