George Kelly

A Caltrain struck and killed a person in San Mateo on Thursday, causing delays along the commuter rail system.

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A Caltrain struck and killed a person in San Mateo on Thursday, causing delays along the commuter rail system.

The collision was reported at 11:28 a.m. near the system&#8217;s Hayward Park Station. Transit and local police, alongside San Mateo city firefighters and other first responders, arrived within minutes to find a person suffering from injuries.

The collision was reported at 11:28 a.m. near the system's Hayward Park Station. Transit and local police, alongside San Mateo city firefighters and other first responders, arrived within minutes to find a person suffering from injuries.

The collision was reported at 11:28 a.m. near the system&#8217;s Hayward Park Station. Transit and local police, alongside San Mateo city firefighters and other first responders, arrived within minutes to find a person suffering from injuries.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Caltrain riders please be aware that train 505 has been involved in a pedestrian strike. Delays expected.&mdash; Caltrain Alerts (@CaltrainAlerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaltrainAlerts/status/1748068539943317680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite emergency life-saving measures, the person was declared dead at the scene around 11:40 a.m. An identity was not immediately available from the San Mateo County Coroner&#8217;s Office.

Despite emergency life-saving measures, the person was declared dead at the scene around 11:40 a.m. An identity was not immediately available from the San Mateo County Coroner's Office.

Despite emergency life-saving measures, the person was declared dead at the scene around 11:40 a.m. An identity was not immediately available from the San Mateo County Coroner&#8217;s Office.

Caltrain staff closed the station&#8217;s northbound platform while trains boarded on the southbound platform there and at Hillsdale Station. The collision caused delays on several other trains; however, within a couple hours, service was returning to normal, Caltrain said.

Caltrain staff closed the station's northbound platform while trains boarded on the southbound platform there and at Hillsdale Station. The collision caused delays on several other trains; however, within a couple hours, service was returning to normal, Caltrain said.

Caltrain staff closed the station&#8217;s northbound platform while trains boarded on the southbound platform there and at Hillsdale Station. The collision caused delays on several other trains; however, within a couple hours, service was returning to normal, Caltrain said.

1 dead in Caltrain collision in San Mateo

The Standard Staff

Waymo&#8217;s plan to roll out robotaxis across the Peninsula is facing opposition from officials, but they’ll likely still see the driverless cars on their streets.

Waymo's plan to roll out robotaxis across the Peninsula is facing opposition from officials, but they’ll likely still see the driverless cars on their streets.

Waymo&#8217;s plan to roll out robotaxis across the Peninsula is facing opposition from officials, but they’ll likely still see the driverless cars on their streets.

San Mateo County sent a letter to state regulators last week objecting to the robotaxi company&#8217;s plan to expand its operations, citing a “lack of local input and the recent public safety incidents involving Waymo and Cruise LLC in the County and City of San Francisco.”

San Mateo County sent a letter to state regulators last week objecting to the robotaxi company's plan to expand its operations, citing a “lack of local input and the recent public safety incidents involving Waymo and Cruise LLC in the County and City of San Francisco.”

San Mateo County sent a letter to state regulators last week objecting to the robotaxi company&#8217;s plan to expand its operations, citing a “lack of local input and the recent public safety incidents involving Waymo and Cruise LLC in the County and City of San Francisco.”

Waymo <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/waymo-letter.pdf">filed a letter</a> with the California Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 19 seeking approval to expand its services beyond San Francisco’s city limits, where it could offer its services in 22 cities and to San Francisco International Airport. The California Department of Motor Vehicles approved Waymo’s use of freeways, highways and rural roads in January.

Waymo <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/waymo-letter.pdf">filed a letter</a> with the California Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 19 seeking approval to expand its services beyond San Francisco’s city limits, where it could offer its services in 22 cities and to San Francisco International Airport. The California Department of Motor Vehicles approved Waymo’s use of freeways, highways and rural roads in January.

“Waymo failed to communicate in any depth or detail with county staff about the specifics of Waymo’s proposal to expand its operations, largely unfettered, into San Mateo County,” San Mateo County Attorney John Nibbelin wrote in the Feb. 8 dated letter.

“Waymo failed to communicate in any depth or detail with county staff about the specifics of Waymo’s proposal to expand its operations, largely unfettered, into San Mateo County,” San Mateo County Attorney John Nibbelin wrote in the Feb. 8 dated letter.

A Waymo spokesperson said the company reached out to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors among other officials as well as local first responders for the cities included in its expansion request.

A Waymo spokesperson said the company reached out to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors among other officials as well as local first responders for the cities included in its expansion request.

&#8220;Our briefings included information on Waymo’s mission, experience, and how our technology works,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;Additionally we were transparent with stakeholders about our interest in expanding Waymo’s commercial ride-hailing service for members of the public to include Peninsula cities.&#8221;

"Our briefings included information on Waymo’s mission, experience, and how our technology works," the spokesperson said. "Additionally we were transparent with stakeholders about our interest in expanding Waymo’s commercial ride-hailing service for members of the public to include Peninsula cities."

&#8220;Our briefings included information on Waymo’s mission, experience, and how our technology works,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;Additionally we were transparent with stakeholders about our interest in expanding Waymo’s commercial ride-hailing service for members of the public to include Peninsula cities.&#8221;

While San Francisco’s bid to block robotaxis failed, San Mateo is just getting started, but the outlook is uncertain.

While San Francisco’s bid to block robotaxis failed, San Mateo is just getting started, but the outlook is uncertain.

Driverless Waymo strikes San Francisco cyclist, police say

sf-standard/related-post

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San Mateo County’s Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to support state Sen. Dave Cortese’s SB 915, the Autonomous Vehicle Service Deployment and Data Transparency Act. The bill, introduced on Jan. 9, would prioritize local control in the deployment and regulation of autonomous vehicle services. The bill has only had a first reading before lawmakers.

San Mateo County’s Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to support state Sen. Dave Cortese’s SB 915, the Autonomous Vehicle Service Deployment and Data Transparency Act. The bill, introduced on Jan. 9, would prioritize local control in the deployment and regulation of autonomous vehicle services. The bill has only had a first reading before lawmakers.

SB 915 has support from the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, the California Conference Board of the Amalgamated Transit Union, the League of California Cities and the California Labor Federation.

SB 915 has support from the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, the California Conference Board of the Amalgamated Transit Union, the League of California Cities and the California Labor Federation.

A Waymo <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/12/waymo-san-francisco-burned-arrests/">driverless car was attacked while navigating near fireworks</a> on Lunar New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The stalled car was set ablaze by vandals who broke its windows and tossed fireworks inside.

&#8216;Sheer urban violence&#8217;: San Francisco Waymo burning marks new level of tech hostility

A Waymo <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/12/waymo-san-francisco-burned-arrests/">driverless car was attacked while navigating near fireworks</a> on Lunar New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The stalled car was set ablaze by vandals who broke its windows and tossed fireworks inside.

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding safety, emergency response and traffic disruption.&nbsp;

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding safety, emergency response and traffic disruption.&nbsp;

Experts see potential pitfalls for expansion to freeways.

Experts see potential pitfalls for expansion to freeways.

Philip Koopman, a Carnegie Mellon professor who studies autonomous vehicles, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/waymo-files-cpuc-expansion-los-angeles/">told The Standard last month</a> that offering highway service puts Waymo at greater risk for dangerous accidents.

When will Waymo robotaxis be allowed on Bay Area highways and at airports? Company seeks permission

Philip Koopman, a Carnegie Mellon professor who studies autonomous vehicles, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/waymo-files-cpuc-expansion-los-angeles/">told The Standard last month</a> that offering highway service puts Waymo at greater risk for dangerous accidents.

“CPUC and the public should be presented with an explicitly stated promise for safety and convenience and should be able in the future to judge whether Waymo has delivered on its promise,” Koopman said.

“CPUC and the public should be presented with an explicitly stated promise for safety and convenience and should be able in the future to judge whether Waymo has delivered on its promise,” Koopman said.

San Mateo County pushes back on Waymo robotaxi expansion, like San Francisco tried to do

Two San Francisco residents were arrested Saturday after allegedly participating in a sideshow in an unincorporated area by Redwood City.

Two San Francisco residents were arrested Saturday after allegedly participating in a sideshow in an unincorporated area by Redwood City.

In a statement Sunday, a San Mateo County Sheriff&#8217;s Office spokesperson said deputies responded around 3:30 p.m. to reports of the sideshow at Woodside Road and Alameda de las Pulgas. There, deputies found hundreds of spectators watching, with some throwing objects at passing vehicles.

In a statement Sunday, a San Mateo County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said deputies responded around 3:30 p.m. to reports of the sideshow at Woodside Road and Alameda de las Pulgas. There, deputies found hundreds of spectators watching, with some throwing objects at passing vehicles.

In a statement Sunday, a San Mateo County Sheriff&#8217;s Office spokesperson said deputies responded around 3:30 p.m. to reports of the sideshow at Woodside Road and Alameda de las Pulgas. There, deputies found hundreds of spectators watching, with some throwing objects at passing vehicles.

As Redwood City police and California Highway Patrol officers also arrived, most vehicles and spectators fled, including two men leaving on foot who ran away when deputies tried to speak with them.

As Redwood City police and California Highway Patrol officers also arrived, most vehicles and spectators fled, including two men leaving on foot who ran away when deputies tried to speak with them.

Deputies pursued them two blocks away to a gas station where one man, Waldemar A. Pop, 23, tried to hide inside a vehicle at the pumps.

Deputies pursued them two blocks away to a gas station where one man, Waldemar A. Pop, 23, tried to hide inside a vehicle at the pumps.

San Francisco’s ‘soft approach’ to illegal sideshows isn’t working, SFPD critics say

No arrests in flagrant sideshows on San Francisco streets

Sideshows, ‘stunt driving’ are costing the city, say supervisors

Pop and Jesus Gress-Ramirez, 22, both of San Francisco, were arrested on suspicion of resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer, and booked into Maguire county jail in&nbsp;Redwood City.

Pop and Jesus Gress-Ramirez, 22, both of San Francisco, were arrested on suspicion of resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer, and booked into Maguire county jail in&nbsp;Redwood City.

Sideshows are illegal and extremely dangerous, the sheriff&#8217;s office said, adding it has zero tolerance for such activities. Authorities are working to identify others involved in Saturday&#8217;s event.

Sideshows are illegal and extremely dangerous, the sheriff's office said, adding it has zero tolerance for such activities. Authorities are working to identify others involved in Saturday's event.

Sideshows are illegal and extremely dangerous, the sheriff&#8217;s office said, adding it has zero tolerance for such activities. Authorities are working to identify others involved in Saturday&#8217;s event.

Anyone with information, including sideshow witnesses, may email Sgt. Doug Richardson at <a href="mailto:drichardson@smcgov.org">drichardson@smcgov.org</a>, call 650-363-4911 or anonymously submit tips at 800-547-2700.

Anyone with information, including sideshow witnesses, may email Sgt. Doug Richardson at <a href="mailto:drichardson@smcgov.org">drichardson@smcgov.org</a>, call 650-363-4911 or anonymously submit tips at 800-547-2700.

On Sunday, San Jose police&#8217;s acting Chief Paul Joseph&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SanJosePD/status/1802416169481375751">posted</a>&nbsp;to X about several sideshow incidents Saturday evening, including one on the city&#8217;s west side where a vehicle injured a spectator.

On Sunday, San Jose police's acting Chief Paul Joseph&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SanJosePD/status/1802416169481375751">posted</a>&nbsp;to X about several sideshow incidents Saturday evening, including one on the city's west side where a vehicle injured a spectator.

On Sunday, San Jose police&#8217;s acting Chief Paul Joseph&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SanJosePD/status/1802416169481375751">posted</a>&nbsp;to X about several sideshow incidents Saturday evening, including one on the city&#8217;s west side where a vehicle injured a spectator.

Joseph said a reserve officer was flagged down about the spectator, but said other spectators overran the officer&#8217;s patrol vehicle, damaging it and leaving the officer with minor injuries.

Joseph said a reserve officer was flagged down about the spectator, but said other spectators overran the officer's patrol vehicle, damaging it and leaving the officer with minor injuries.

Joseph said a reserve officer was flagged down about the spectator, but said other spectators overran the officer&#8217;s patrol vehicle, damaging it and leaving the officer with minor injuries.

&#8220;This conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city,&#8221; Joseph said, adding that detectives and crime analysts would work to identify people involved. &#8220;To see one of our officers attacked by an out of control mob while in the process of trying to help a seriously injured person is truly deplorable!&#8221;

"This conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city," Joseph said, adding that detectives and crime analysts would work to identify people involved. "To see one of our officers attacked by an out of control mob while in the process of trying to help a seriously injured person is truly deplorable!"

&#8220;This conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city,&#8221; Joseph said, adding that detectives and crime analysts would work to identify people involved. &#8220;To see one of our officers attacked by an out of control mob while in the process of trying to help a seriously injured person is truly deplorable!&#8221;

Police did not identify a location, but Yay Area News&#8217; X account posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/YayAreaNews/status/1802362536177934366">video</a>&nbsp;Sunday showing several people surrounding an occupied patrol vehicle in northbound&nbsp;lanes of South Winchester Boulevard north of Olin Avenue, just outside the city&#8217;s Santana Row shopping mall. In the video, several people climb onto the vehicle&#8217;s hood before stomping its windshield.

Police did not identify a location, but Yay Area News' X account posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/YayAreaNews/status/1802362536177934366">video</a>&nbsp;Sunday showing several people surrounding an occupied patrol vehicle in northbound&nbsp;lanes of South Winchester Boulevard north of Olin Avenue, just outside the city's Santana Row shopping mall. In the video, several people climb onto the vehicle's hood before stomping its windshield.

Police did not identify a location, but Yay Area News&#8217; X account posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/YayAreaNews/status/1802362536177934366">video</a>&nbsp;Sunday showing several people surrounding an occupied patrol vehicle in northbound&nbsp;lanes of South Winchester Boulevard north of Olin Avenue, just outside the city&#8217;s Santana Row shopping mall. In the video, several people climb onto the vehicle&#8217;s hood before stomping its windshield.

2 San Francisco men arrested after San Mateo County sideshow

Kevin V. Nguyen

Snowflake Inc. has agreed to sublease roughly 773,000 square feet of office space in Menlo Park at the newly built Menlo Gateway, the company confirmed.

Snowflake Inc. has agreed to sublease roughly 773,000 square feet of office space in Menlo Park at the newly built Menlo Gateway, the company confirmed.

The deal, combined with other leases in the Bay Area and Washington state, makes the fast-growing cloud software company one of the largest, most active office tenants since the pandemic.

The deal, combined with other leases in the Bay Area and Washington state, makes the fast-growing cloud software company one of the largest, most active office tenants since the pandemic.

Snowflake was founded in San Mateo and went public in 2020. Shortly after, it announced that it was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/08/whats-behind-bay-area-supposed-business-exodus/">going &#8220;headquarter-less&#8221;</a> and designated Bozeman, Montana, the home of its former CEO, as its principal executive base.

Tech exodus looks bad for SF — but the doomsayers are wrong about the reasons

Snowflake was founded in San Mateo and went public in 2020. Shortly after, it announced that it was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/08/whats-behind-bay-area-supposed-business-exodus/">going "headquarter-less"</a> and designated Bozeman, Montana, the home of its former CEO, as its principal executive base.

Snowflake was founded in San Mateo and went public in 2020. Shortly after, it announced that it was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/08/whats-behind-bay-area-supposed-business-exodus/">going &#8220;headquarter-less&#8221;</a> and designated Bozeman, Montana, the home of its former CEO, as its principal executive base.

Despite that, the company has been doubling down on its Bay Area office presence. On top of the roughly 200,000 square feet it has in San Mateo, Snowflake in 2022 <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/08/08/tech-expand-dublin-jobs-big-office-lease-real-estate-snowflake/">tripled its presence in Dublin</a> from 40,000 to 153,000 square feet.

Despite that, the company has been doubling down on its Bay Area office presence. On top of the roughly 200,000 square feet it has in San Mateo, Snowflake in 2022 <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/08/08/tech-expand-dublin-jobs-big-office-lease-real-estate-snowflake/">tripled its presence in Dublin</a> from 40,000 to 153,000 square feet.

This sizzling AI company was outgrowing its home. SF’s hottest office market was ready

Nvidia drops $374M to become its own landlord in Santa Clara

A tech giant just ordered workers back in person: So why is it unloading office space?

The latest deal in Menlo Park involves a sublease of the three-building campus — located at 100 to 190 Independence Drive and 101 to 155 Constitution Drive — from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, which pre-leased the project while it was under construction.

The latest deal in Menlo Park involves a sublease of the three-building campus — located at 100 to 190 Independence Drive and 101 to 155 Constitution Drive — from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, which pre-leased the project while it was under construction.

A spokesperson said the company intends to relocate its San Mateo-based employees to the new campus in the second quarter of next year.

A spokesperson said the company intends to relocate its San Mateo-based employees to the new campus in the second quarter of next year.

According to the City of Menlo Park, the Menlo Gateway in Menlo Park will include cafe / restaurant, health club, serving hotel guests and the public, a hotel, 
Neighborhood-serving retail and community facilities , three office spaces including one being leased by the tech company Snowflake. The development would take place on 2 sites totaling 15.9 acres located near the U.S. 101/Marsh Road interchange. The specific sites are located at 100 to 190 Independence Drive and 101 to 155 Constitution Drive.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/portion-of-menlo-gateway-development-including-hotel-nia.jpg?w=1500" alt="The image shows a modern glass building with vertical lines, a multi-story parking structure, and another glass building, set against a clear blue sky. A road curves in the foreground." class="wp-image-338793"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Snowflake Inc. has agreed to sublease office space in Menlo Park at the newly built Menlo Gateway, left.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/portion-of-menlo-gateway-development-including-hotel-nia.jpg?w=1500" alt="The image shows a modern glass building with vertical lines, a multi-story parking structure, and another glass building, set against a clear blue sky. A road curves in the foreground." class="wp-image-338793"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Snowflake Inc. has agreed to sublease office space in Menlo Park at the newly built Menlo Gateway, left.</figcaption></figure>

Menlo Gateway is majority-owned by local office developer Bohannon Companies; Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management purchased a minority stake in 2022.

Menlo Gateway is majority-owned by local office developer Bohannon Companies; Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management purchased a minority stake in 2022.

The deal caps off nearly 1 million square feet of new office leases signed this year by Snowflake. In April, the company <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2024/04/09/snowflake-meta-spring-district-sublease.html">snapped up 300,000 square feet</a> in Bellevue, Washington, also from Meta.

The deal caps off nearly 1 million square feet of new office leases signed this year by Snowflake. In April, the company <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2024/04/09/snowflake-meta-spring-district-sublease.html">snapped up 300,000 square feet</a> in Bellevue, Washington, also from Meta.

Last month, Snowflake bolstered its AI position by announcing <a href="https://investors.snowflake.com/news/news-details/2024/Snowflake-and-Anthropic-Team-Up-to-Bring-Claude-Models-Directly-to-the-AI-Data-Cloud/default.aspx">a partnership with Anthropic</a> to bring the company&#8217;s Claude model onto its platform.

Last month, Snowflake bolstered its AI position by announcing <a href="https://investors.snowflake.com/news/news-details/2024/Snowflake-and-Anthropic-Team-Up-to-Bring-Claude-Models-Directly-to-the-AI-Data-Cloud/default.aspx">a partnership with Anthropic</a> to bring the company's Claude model onto its platform.

Last month, Snowflake bolstered its AI position by announcing <a href="https://investors.snowflake.com/news/news-details/2024/Snowflake-and-Anthropic-Team-Up-to-Bring-Claude-Models-Directly-to-the-AI-Data-Cloud/default.aspx">a partnership with Anthropic</a> to bring the company&#8217;s Claude model onto its platform.

Snowflake, the no-HQ company, inks the Bay Area’s biggest office lease of 2024

Giselle Hale

After attending a 2023 City Council meeting in Millbrae, author and sociologist Matthew Desmond wrote in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/31/opinion/california-homelessness-progressives.html?partner=slack&amp;smid=sl-share">The New York Times</a>, “Here I was in a county where 78 percent of the residents voted for Joe Biden, but the meeting had the dark energy of a Donald Trump rally, circa 2016. It felt like the whole town would rather burn down the La Quinta Inn than use it to house the most vulnerable.”&nbsp;

After attending a 2023 City Council meeting in Millbrae, author and sociologist Matthew Desmond wrote in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/31/opinion/california-homelessness-progressives.html?partner=slack&amp;smid=sl-share">The New York Times</a>, “Here I was in a county where 78 percent of the residents voted for Joe Biden, but the meeting had the dark energy of a Donald Trump rally, circa 2016. It felt like the whole town would rather burn down the La Quinta Inn than use it to house the most vulnerable.”&nbsp;

The matter at hand was the proposed conversion of a 100-room La Quinta Inn into permanent supportive housing for homeless residents. The project would be funded entirely through California’s Project Homekey initiative, which gives cities and counties grants to acquire a variety of buildings and convert them to housing for unsheltered people.&nbsp;

The matter at hand was the proposed conversion of a 100-room La Quinta Inn into permanent supportive housing for homeless residents. The project would be funded entirely through California’s Project Homekey initiative, which gives cities and counties grants to acquire a variety of buildings and convert them to housing for unsheltered people.&nbsp;

As a former mayor of Redwood City, just 12 miles down the Peninsula from Millbrae, I found it hard to read Desmond’s characterization of our county. The San Mateo I know has been a statewide leader in implementing Project Homekey sites. In Redwood City alone, we accepted state funds for <a href="https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/city-manager/city-manager-s-initiatives/addressing-homelessness-and-unstably-housed-residents/innovative-solutions-for-emergency-and-permanent-housing">not one but three</a> Homekey projects. Today, these projects permanently house 220 of our most vulnerable, including previously homeless seniors. By comparison, the La Quinta site was proposed for just 100 units and has been whittled to 60.&nbsp;

As a former mayor of Redwood City, just 12 miles down the Peninsula from Millbrae, I found it hard to read Desmond’s characterization of our county. The San Mateo I know has been a statewide leader in implementing Project Homekey sites. In Redwood City alone, we accepted state funds for <a href="https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/city-manager/city-manager-s-initiatives/addressing-homelessness-and-unstably-housed-residents/innovative-solutions-for-emergency-and-permanent-housing">not one but three</a> Homekey projects. Today, these projects permanently house 220 of our most vulnerable, including previously homeless seniors. By comparison, the La Quinta site was proposed for just 100 units and has been whittled to 60.&nbsp;

Screenshots from an ABC broadcast on a La Quinta motel being converted for permanent housing for the homeless.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240807-opedhomelessinmilbrae-2.jpg?w=1870" alt="The image shows a La Quinta by Wyndham hotel entrance sign with a sunburst logo and a second sign for &quot;BashaMichi Sushi&quot; restaurant below it." class="wp-image-303542"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of Millbrae&#8217;s La Quinta Inns is a proposed site for supportive housing funded by Project Homekey.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240807-opedhomelessinmilbrae-2.jpg?w=1870" alt="The image shows a La Quinta by Wyndham hotel entrance sign with a sunburst logo and a second sign for &quot;BashaMichi Sushi&quot; restaurant below it." class="wp-image-303542"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of Millbrae's La Quinta Inns is a proposed site for supportive housing funded by Project Homekey.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240807-opedhomelessinmilbrae-2.jpg?w=1870" alt="The image shows a La Quinta by Wyndham hotel entrance sign with a sunburst logo and a second sign for &quot;BashaMichi Sushi&quot; restaurant below it." class="wp-image-303542"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of Millbrae&#8217;s La Quinta Inns is a proposed site for supportive housing funded by Project Homekey.</figcaption></figure>

The La Quinta Inn proposal eventually escalated out of control, leading to <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11997219/millbrae-voters-recall-council-members-who-didnt-oppose-affordable-housing">the recent recall</a> of Millbrae Councilmembers Maurice Goodman and Angelina Callahan and a lawsuit filed by the city against San Mateo County. What it hasn’t done is create any permanent housing for the homeless — a loss for not only the people of Millbrae but for all of us in the Bay Area.

The La Quinta Inn proposal eventually escalated out of control, leading to <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11997219/millbrae-voters-recall-council-members-who-didnt-oppose-affordable-housing">the recent recall</a> of Millbrae Councilmembers Maurice Goodman and Angelina Callahan and a lawsuit filed by the city against San Mateo County. What it hasn’t done is create any permanent housing for the homeless — a loss for not only the people of Millbrae but for all of us in the Bay Area.

While the recall of Goodman and Callahan was unfortunate, the remaining Millbrae councilmembers have the opportunity to drop their baseless lawsuit and get to work steering the community in the right direction. They could start by providing accurate information about what Project Homekey does for their community. And they can look down the 101 for examples of how to get this done.&nbsp;

While the recall of Goodman and Callahan was unfortunate, the remaining Millbrae councilmembers have the opportunity to drop their baseless lawsuit and get to work steering the community in the right direction. They could start by providing accurate information about what Project Homekey does for their community. And they can look down the 101 for examples of how to get this done.&nbsp;

Prior to approving the three Homekey projects in Redwood City, we spent years negotiating a land swap with the county to accommodate an additional 240 residents in the Navigation Center. We encountered similar community concerns during the proposal of these projects, with strong opinions voiced at raucous meetings. But we worked together to bring our community along, rather than sow division and point fingers at colleagues.&nbsp;

Prior to approving the three Homekey projects in Redwood City, we spent years negotiating a land swap with the county to accommodate an additional 240 residents in the Navigation Center. We encountered similar community concerns during the proposal of these projects, with strong opinions voiced at raucous meetings. But we worked together to bring our community along, rather than sow division and point fingers at colleagues.&nbsp;

Redwood City is not alone in San Mateo in its efforts to create housing for the most vulnerable. During the same 2023 meeting at which the county Board of Supervisors <a href="https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/county-purchase-two-hotels-convert-supportive-housing-key-step-countys-functional-zero">voted to acquire</a> Millbrae’s La Quinta Inn, members voted to acquire a hotel in South San Francisco for a similar Homekey proposal, which resulted in no community protest and had strong support from that city’s council.&nbsp;

Redwood City is not alone in San Mateo in its efforts to create housing for the most vulnerable. During the same 2023 meeting at which the county Board of Supervisors <a href="https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/county-purchase-two-hotels-convert-supportive-housing-key-step-countys-functional-zero">voted to acquire</a> Millbrae’s La Quinta Inn, members voted to acquire a hotel in South San Francisco for a similar Homekey proposal, which resulted in no community protest and had strong support from that city’s council.&nbsp;

The Millbrae City Council has the opportunity to put a similar win on the board by coming with facts instead of succumbing to fears. One of the key concerns expressed by residents is a potential increase in 911 call volume at the La Quinta site. The site is proposed for families and seniors, so it is most analogous to the Shores Landing project for seniors in Redwood Shores. A recent review of 911 call data from that site shows no increase in call volume. With effective community engagement, this concern should be laid to rest.

The Millbrae City Council has the opportunity to put a similar win on the board by coming with facts instead of succumbing to fears. One of the key concerns expressed by residents is a potential increase in 911 call volume at the La Quinta site. The site is proposed for families and seniors, so it is most analogous to the Shores Landing project for seniors in Redwood Shores. A recent review of 911 call data from that site shows no increase in call volume. With effective community engagement, this concern should be laid to rest.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240807-opedhomelessinmilbrae-3.jpg?w=1870" alt="The image shows a multi-story residential building with balconies and white railings, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with a &quot;No Pedestrians&quot; sign visible." class="wp-image-303543"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Conversion of the La Quinta Inn&#8217;s many units into apartments would use the existing infrastructure to provide permanent affordable housing.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240807-opedhomelessinmilbrae-3.jpg?w=1870" alt="The image shows a multi-story residential building with balconies and white railings, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with a &quot;No Pedestrians&quot; sign visible." class="wp-image-303543"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Conversion of the La Quinta Inn's many units into apartments would use the existing infrastructure to provide permanent affordable housing.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240807-opedhomelessinmilbrae-3.jpg?w=1870" alt="The image shows a multi-story residential building with balconies and white railings, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with a &quot;No Pedestrians&quot; sign visible." class="wp-image-303543"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Conversion of the La Quinta Inn&#8217;s many units into apartments would use the existing infrastructure to provide permanent affordable housing.</figcaption></figure>

Another falsehood that needs to be put to rest: Millbrae’s remaining councilmembers, Gina Papan, Ann Schneider, and Mayor Anders Fung claim they are suing the county to protect their city’s budget. Millbrae City Manager Tom Williams <a href="https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/millbrae-officials-la-quinta-closure-could-cost-750k-a-year/article_a8e4b22e-168a-11ef-ada0-834bcdc3745f.html">has claimed</a> that La Quinta Inn has occupancy rates of at least 85%, generating annual tax revenue of more than $700,000. But the hotel’s owners <a href="https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/while-la-quinta-s-fate-is-decided-in-millbrae-owners-wait/article_ef34b62e-32a1-11ef-88bf-c778c408f013.html">&nbsp;say</a> occupancy rates are closer to 60%, with proportionally lower tax receipts.&nbsp;

Another falsehood that needs to be put to rest: Millbrae’s remaining councilmembers, Gina Papan, Ann Schneider, and Mayor Anders Fung claim they are suing the county to protect their city’s budget. Millbrae City Manager Tom Williams <a href="https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/millbrae-officials-la-quinta-closure-could-cost-750k-a-year/article_a8e4b22e-168a-11ef-ada0-834bcdc3745f.html">has claimed</a> that La Quinta Inn has occupancy rates of at least 85%, generating annual tax revenue of more than $700,000. But the hotel’s owners <a href="https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/while-la-quinta-s-fate-is-decided-in-millbrae-owners-wait/article_ef34b62e-32a1-11ef-88bf-c778c408f013.html">&nbsp;say</a> occupancy rates are closer to 60%, with proportionally lower tax receipts.&nbsp;

Even ignoring opposing numbers, it’s hard to believe Millbrae’s fight has anything to do with fiscal responsibility. According to Williams, the city had <a href="https://youtu.be/C24Ztfgx7aE?list=PLDhWOOQ5xxuxVQfekCcjG_frTd0QidMI9&amp;t=15119">spent at least</a> $230,000 on legal expenses related to its lawsuit as of May 14 — and that number is likely higher by now. Millbrae’s lawsuit has also forced the county to incur fees and costs of more than $218,000, according to an email from staff.&nbsp;

Even ignoring opposing numbers, it’s hard to believe Millbrae’s fight has anything to do with fiscal responsibility. According to Williams, the city had <a href="https://youtu.be/C24Ztfgx7aE?list=PLDhWOOQ5xxuxVQfekCcjG_frTd0QidMI9&amp;t=15119">spent at least</a> $230,000 on legal expenses related to its lawsuit as of May 14 — and that number is likely higher by now. Millbrae’s lawsuit has also forced the county to incur fees and costs of more than $218,000, according to an email from staff.&nbsp;

The legal expenses are bound to rise. The city recently appealed a Superior Court decision tossing its case. The costs to the county will be borne by taxpayers, including those of us in Redwood City who are doing our part to provide housing for homeless residents. It’s not just unfair; it goes against what we call “the San Mateo County way,” which prioritizes collaboration and teamwork across our mix of small cities.&nbsp;

The legal expenses are bound to rise. The city recently appealed a Superior Court decision tossing its case. The costs to the county will be borne by taxpayers, including those of us in Redwood City who are doing our part to provide housing for homeless residents. It’s not just unfair; it goes against what we call “the San Mateo County way,” which prioritizes collaboration and teamwork across our mix of small cities.&nbsp;

So, Millbrae City Council, it’s up to you to change the tone: less Trump-rally vibes, more Harris/Walz rizz. Millbrae’s council can still redeem its reputation among fellow cities in San Mateo County. As Desmond points out, with political will, it can be done. Millbrae, do your part to meet the needs of all residents, just as other cities have. With the undeserved national spotlight this project has brought to our county, your neighbors up and down the 280 and 101 are watching. 

So, Millbrae City Council, it’s up to you to change the tone: less Trump-rally vibes, more Harris/Walz rizz. Millbrae’s council can still redeem its reputation among fellow cities in San Mateo County. As Desmond points out, with political will, it can be done. Millbrae, do your part to meet the needs of all residents, just as other cities have. With the undeserved national spotlight this project has brought to our county, your neighbors up and down the 280 and 101 are watching.

By rejecting state money and denying the homeless, this city ignited a costly firestorm

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Opinion: By rejecting state money and denying the homeless, this city ignited a costly firestorm