The CTRA board usually meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 6:30pm at the College Terrace Library. All residents are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend.
Meeting Minutes
Once meeting minutes are approved by the CTRA board, they are posted here.
If you have questions about the minutes, please contact the CTRA board.
College Terrace Residents’ Association (CTRA)
Board Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Location: College Terrace Library / Community Room
Meeting Start: 6:00 PM Adjourned: ~7:00 PM
Quorum: Yes
Attendees
Board Members:
- Bridget McCormick
- Pete Rice
- Meghan Rice
- Leah Cowan
- Chris Philpott (remote)
- Allen Baum
Additional Participants:
- Diana Learned (Libaraian)
- Melissa Oliveira (Resident, guest speaker — raised traffic concerns)
- Representatives referenced but not present: University Terrace RA, Evergreen Park RA, Stanford University staff, City of Palo Alto staff (Sylvia, Charlie).
Summary of Key Discussion
- No Right Turn on Red — El Camino Congestion
Resident Melissa Oliveira spoke about worsening congestion on El Camino Real following Caltrans’ installation of “No Right Turn on Red” signs at multiple intersections (Churchill, Stanford Ave, Cambridge, California Ave, and near Oregon Expwy). She shared first-hand observations of:
- Peak-hour gridlock extending into neighborhood streets.
- Miscoordinated signals and pedestrian/bike crossing conflicts.
- Concerns about lack of traffic flow and backups during school commute times.
Jurisdiction and Implementation
- Caltrans controls El Camino; the City controls side streets.
- City response so far has been that it “can’t do anything” since it’s Caltrans’ jurisdiction.
- Board members noted that Caltrans can adjust signal timing and coordination, and that jurisdiction should not be a barrier to engagement.
Board Position — Congestion Causes
- The Board did not accept congestion at face value as being caused solely by the turn restrictions.
- Members emphasized that traffic volumes are up citywide since the pandemic.
- Right turns on red are a known safety risk, and there was a prior fatal crash involving a turning vehicle and a child cyclist.
- The focus should be on signal timing, coordinated operations, and safety trade-offs, not simply reversing turn restrictions.
Coordinated Advocacy Approach
- Proposal to partner with University Terrace and Evergreen Park RAs, as they are also affected.
- Suggestion to involve Stanford (a major trip generator in the corridor) to strengthen advocacy.
- Concept of a community town hall inviting Caltrans, the City, Stanford, and residents to discuss congestion, safety, and operations.
Data & Evidence
- Ideas raised: tube counters, speed/volume data, observations, and big-data mobility analysis.
- Stanford may already be conducting traffic studies on Oberlin/Escondido Village.
Broader Framing
- Interest in framing this as a “multimodal safety and mobility” conversation, not just a car congestion complaint.
- Board noted ongoing Caltrans corridor planning along El Camino with limited outreach funding — the town hall could fill this gap.
2. Community Events and Collaboration
- Block party recap: Well-attended; residents liked the food truck but some missed the potluck. Plan to bring back both next year.
- Holiday event: Unanimous vote to invite University Terrace RA to co-host either a holiday or spring event.
- Interest in hosting a small artisan market with resident-made goods — permit requirements to be clarified.
3. Observer Reports & Miscellaneous
- Stanford offering $2 athletic tickets to community.
- Past minutes need minor name corrections (e.g., Ellen spelling).
Detailed Notes with Timestamps
| Time | Topic | Notes |
| 00:00–03:50 | Introductions | Roll call; resident Melissa Oliveira raises right-turn-on-red issue |
| 03:50–07:26 | Traffic congestion & Caltrans jurisdiction | Resident observations of severe backups; City “hands off” response; Board pushes back |
| 07:26–09:52 | Data collection | Discussion of traffic tubes, camera observations, and Stanford’s role |
| 09:52–13:55 | Neighbor coordination | Proposal to involve University Terrace and Evergreen Park |
| 13:55–15:54 | Town hall concept | Agreement to pursue a joint advocacy event |
| 15:54–19:23 | Board position clarified | Congestion not assumed to be caused by turn restrictions alone; safety is critical |
| 19:23–21:20 | Block party feedback | Strong turnout; potluck likely returning next year |
| 21:20–26:59 | Holiday event planning | Unanimous vote to co-host with University Terrace |
| 27:00–30:30 | Permit questions | Need to clarify city requirements for small market |
| 30:30–33:30 | Observer reports | Stanford tickets, neighborhood updates |
| 33:30–37:12 | Minutes review | Name corrections and process discussion |
| 37:12–End | Recap & follow-ups | Richard to lead outreach; others assigned supporting roles |
Next Steps & To-Dos
1. Traffic & Safety Advocacy
- Richard Stoley (Board President)
- Draft and send joint outreach email to University Terrace & Evergreen Park RAs regarding congestion, safety, and a proposed town hall.
- Coordinate shared letter to City of Palo Alto and Caltrans.
- Melissa Oliveira (Resident)
- Forward prior emails and communications she has had with Caltrans/City staff. (Note: Melissa is not a Board member.)
- Leah Cowan
- Reach out to Stanford for traffic study information and gauge participation interest in the town hall.
- Board
- Identify town hall date, location, and draft agenda.
- Frame messaging around safety, mobility, and signal coordination rather than just congestion.
2. Holiday Event / Market
- Richard & Eileen
- Invite University Terrace to co-host holiday/spring event.
- Peter Rice
- Contact City staff to clarify permit requirements for small resident artisan market (no commercial vendors).
- Eileen
- Ask FABMO contacts about Cal Ave market permitting process.
- Venue Coordinator (Speaker 6)
- Check availability of library/community room.
3. Communications & Documentation
- Chris Philpott
- Correct and finalize previous minutes, including proper name spellings.
- Bridget McCormick
- Confirm timeline with Richard for outreach and letter drafting.
- Ensure event coordination moves forward.
Follow-Up Tracker
| Task | Owner | Due | Notes |
| Outreach to UT & EP RAs | Richard | Oct 20 | Joint letter + town hall |
| Forward outreach emails | Melissa | Oct 20 | Reference for Board |
| Stanford engagement | Leah | Oct 25 | Traffic study + participation |
| City permit inquiry | Peter | Oct 25 | Holiday market rules |
| FABMO example | Eileen | Oct 25 | Lessons learned |
| Reserve venue | Speaker 6 | Oct 25 | Library or neutral site |
| Minutes corrections | Chris | Next meeting | Name spelling etc. |
| Letter draft to City/Caltrans | Board | Pre–town hall | Incorporate traffic/safety frame |