art liberman

Residents Oppose Liquor License Bid for Chalateco

Aug 242012

The Daily Post has an article on page 8 of today’s newspaper about protests by two residents (unnamed – presumably from Barron Park? ) over the application by the owners of the Chalateco restaurant on El Camino for a liquor license. This is the location that had previously been Taco Bell.

The article quoted John Carr, the State’s Alcohol Beverage Control spokesman, as saying that his agency has received two protest letters and confirmed that the protests are valid. The protests “argued that there enough establishments that serve alcohol in the area. They also argue that it is a residential area and that it’s too close to schools.”

Carr said no hearings have been scheduled. “Now the owners will have an opportunity to work out a possible solution to overcome the objections.”

The article also mentioned the protest in 2010 over Walgreen’s application for a liquor license.

Water is back in Matadero Creek by the Park

Environment, Groundwater Contamination No Responses »

Aug 072012

As evidenced by this picture, taken August 7th, water is back in the upstream section of the Creek alongside Bol Park, but the surface is dry by the time the Creek passes under the Tippawingo bridge.

Matadero Creek near Bol Park, August 7, 2012

The flow of water in Matadero Creek normally falls off during the summer months as runoff from rains up in the hills vanishes and natural springs dry up. Yet, in recent years, as Matadero Creek winds its way through the Barron Park neighborhood, water flow has been visible even during the summer months.

This year the water level has been particularly low. On top of this, several residents reported a sudden, overnight drop in the water level at the end of June. So, the questions are: Â in these dry months, why is there any flow at all in Matadero Creek: and why was there a sudden drop in the water level?

The answer to the first question is that water is continually discharged into the Creek from five separate treatment systems in the Research Park. These pumping stations have been operating for over a decade, as part of the program to clean up the underground contamination caused by years of leaks into the subsurface from underground tanks that held chemical solvents. The tanks were removed long ago, but the contamination they caused remains.

City Council Directed Study of CPI Hazards

CPI Toxic Fumes and Hazardous Chemicals, Emergency Preparation, Environment No Responses »

Jul 302012

Curtis Williams (Director of Planning) has released the Request for Proposals (RFP) the City prepared to secure the services of a consultant to implement the City Council motion of June 4. The motion had two parts: 1) conduct an independent evaluation of CPI Hazardous Materials, and 2) provide input on Zoning and Fire Code issues. The RFP was issued on July 13th

Summary of key features –

…..schedule – work would start at the end of August, and be completed by next February. Adherence to the schedule requires the full cooperation of CPI ; their legal representative at the June 4th meeting promised this; we shall see if they follow through and agree with the terms required for full disclosure of their materials to the consultant within the confidentiality clauses of the contract.

…..work involved – two tasks: one to assess the risks associated with the hazardous materials at CPI (to be completed within 90 days of start of work), and the second to advise the City on Zoning and Fire Code issues.

…..meetings with residents – first task involves at least 2 meetings with residents.

…..independence from industry and a track record working with public groups : The qualifications state: “….The City of Palo Alto is seeking an experienced hazardous materials consultant who can demonstrate his/her technical competence to complete the required analyses and his/her impartiality and independence from local industries (and industry in general) that use such materials.” The proposal response is to ” Include a list of clients and/or related projects completed during the past five years….AND…List experience working with public agencies and in public communications, such as neighborhood or community meetings, and advising Planning Commissions, City Councils, and or other local government policy-makers.”

Here is a reference for some background on the 2006 toxic fume release and risks to residents from the extremely hazardous materials at CPI.

https://patch.com/california/paloalto/the-failure-of-sunshine-laws-in-the-use-of-extremely-e77affe5da

Barron Park will be seeing green along Matadero

City Actions and Activities in Barron Park, Public Works and Utilities Info No Responses »

Jul 302012

The old Matadero water well site has been getting a complete makeover thanks to the City’s decision to use this well as part of the system that would provide emergency water to the public in the event of a natural disaster and a cutoff of the Hetch Hetchy supply. The project has required the BPA to put on hold its plan to beautify the area adjacent to the well site that included placing some benches.

The site along Matadero, near the intersection with Josina, is currently an eyesore. A photo taken today shows some very large white pipes and associated plumbing systems, surrounded by construction forms where a concrete pad is about to be poured. Once in place, the pad will support a number of large electrical control cabinets, and the entire site will be enclosed by a new wire fence.

Matadero Well Site – July 30, 2012

However, the appearance of the pipes and pumps and cabinets will be enhanced once all equipment is in place, thanks a group of determined BPA Board members, led by President Lynnie Melena. Continue reading »

Starbucks Drive-Thru Grand Opening

Barron Park Business 1 Response »

Jul 302012

Love them or not – Starbucks Drive-Thru on El Camino is open. The Daily Post had an advertisement announcing their “Grand Opening Celebration” on Tuesday July 31st 10 AM to 11 AM.
The article didn’t say whether or not you had to drive your car through to celebrate or could use your bike….or just walk in.

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