The first workshop for the California Avenue Concept Plan was held on Thursday night, February 12th, at Lucie Stern Community Center.  Approximately 50 people attended the workshop, which was focused on gathering community input on issues to be considered and studied in the California Avenue Concept Plan .  The Concept Plan  will be part of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Amendment process.  The workshop opened with a presentation that introduced key characteristics and issues related to the Concept Plan study area.  The presentation is available here.  
 
Following the presentation and a question and comment period, participants broke into small groups to generate ideas about strengths and needed improvements in the study area, which is roughly bounded by Alma Street, El Camino Real, College Avenue and Lambert Avenue.  Among the main issues were the possibility of new housing development in the area and the future of Fry's Electronics in the area.  Many residents were concerned about impacts to neighborhood scale, schools, parks and other services potentially caused by multi-family housing since a considerable portion of the  the study area, including the Fry's Site ,  is currently planned and zoned for high density housing.  Many residents expressed strong support for retaining the unique character of California Avenue but advocated a more diversified mix of businesses along the street.  Parking problems and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure were among other topics discussed. 
 
The small groups reconvened to report on their discussion and summarize areas of consensus.  During the wrap-up, several members of the audience vigorously reiterated concerns about the potential for additional housing development in the study area and stressed the need for development of an unbiased plan that reflects the community's desires.         
 
The next workshop for the California Avenue Concept Plan  is scheduled for the month of April.

To view more photos of the workshop, click here.