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, August 13, 2026
Location: College Terrace Library / Community Room
Meeting Start: 6:30 PM
Adjourned: 7:20 PM
Quorum: Yes
ATTENDEES
Board Members:
President: Richard Stolee
Vice President: Bridget McCormick
Treasurer: Allen Baum
Communications Director: Meghan Rice
Stanford Observer: Leah Cowan
City Observer: Betsy Guadagno, Absent
Research Park Observer: Bradley Hamilton
California Ave Business District Observer: open position
Safety Coordinator: Pete Rice
Secretary: Jocelen Hamilton, absent
Social Coordinator: Eileen Stolee
Additional Participants:
Diana Learned (Librarian)
Lee Fewell – resident
Community Safety and Traffic Concerns
The board agreed to formally escalate the urgent need for a four-way stop sign at the Oberlin- Stanford intersection to improve child safety. Decision to send dual letters advocating for a four-way stop sign after a near-miss incident involving children highlighted ongoing safety risks. The incident involved a driver running a stop sign to turn onto Oberlin, narrowly missing two children by 5 to 10 feet.
Board president Richard Stolee emphasized this is a recurring issue, with prior requests for the stop sign having been made. Oberlin is the only major entrance into College Terrace lacking a four-way stop, unlike Yale and Wellesley avenues.
The letters will include one from the effected parent and one from the board with multiple signatures, targeting the city and transportation department. A survey or petition will be explored to gather broader parent support and data to strengthen the case.
The board plans to invite the city transportation official Sylvia to a future meeting or neighborhood event to discuss the issue.
Final Planning for the Summer Block Party
• City granted $1,500 for the block party, a $400 increase from last year, designated for neighborhood associations
•The magician was secured for $400 and will perform from 4:00 to 5:00 PM near the library.
• Live music will follow from approximately 5:00 to 7:00 PM near the food truck.
• Multiple food truck leads were pursued but no confirmed booking yet. Preference is for kid-friendly and vegetarian options. Board members will leverage past contacts and make calls to secure three bids and confirm minimums. Discussions included possibly using local restaurants to donate or sell food as an alternative to food trucks.
• Library activities will complement the block party with open access and added community feedback channels to strengthen neighborhood ties.
• Plans to deploy a feedback bulletin board at the event to capture community input and concerns. A cork board or whiteboard with sticky notes and pencils will allow anonymous comments. The board will gather safety concerns and other neighborhood issues.
• Informational materials about the community group and donation opportunities will be prominently displayed. Documents explaining who the CTRA is and why donations matter will be prepared. Tote bags from previous fundraising efforts will be offered as incentives. A Venmo QR code will be included for easy donations, with work underway to update payment accounts to reflect non-501c3 status.
Flock Safety license plate reader cameras
The board reaffirmed opposition to the Flock surveillance cameras, reflecting community privacy worries and recent policy developments in neighboring cities.
Board member Bradley Hamilton highlighted broad neighborhood opposition to
Surveillance cameras due to privacy invasion concerns Mountain View and Los Altos have disabled their Flock cameras following local protests. The board previously issued a letter opposing Flock cameras and plans to draft an updated statement. A draft of a follow-up letter will reference actions by neighboring cities and local camera installations and the board will vote on this at the next meeting.
Observer Reports
None
Meeting Minutes Approval
Review Meeting Minutes from July Meeting -Already approved and posted on site.
Action items
Richard Stolee
Draft two letters regarding the Oberlin stop sign issue: one personal letter from a parent witness and one from the board with parent signatures; send these letters to the transportation department and city council by September 7th
Meghan Rice
Coordinate contacting food truck vendors and local restaurants for the block party within one week; confirm availability, minimum purchase requirements, and secure at least three bids; collaborate with Melissa and Mary for past contacts
Meghan Rice & Bridget McCormack
Collaborate to update Venmo and PayPal donation accounts to reflect nonprofit status and establish clean donation channels with QR codes for the block party fundraising efforts
Bridget McCormack
Design block party flyers and promotional graphics emphasizing live music, magician showtimes, and event details; complete as soon as possible to support outreach
Diana Learned
Arrange for recycling bins and necessary setup support for the block party to ensure proper waste management during the event
Bradley Hamilton
Provide follow-up on drafting an updated opposition letter regarding Flock safety cameras, reflecting recent developments and prepare for voting at the next meeting
Board Members
Participate in outreach efforts to invite city officials, county supervisor, and Stanford representatives to the block party; send invitations promptly, ideally by the next day
Assist with block party setup and cleanup; ensure availability before and after the event; bring folding tables and stacking chairs if possible to support logistics
Unassigned
• Arrange for a city transportation representative to attend the next board meeting or neighborhood picnic to discuss traffic safety concerns at the Oberlin-Stanford-Overland intersection
Meghan Rice & team
Plan and coordinate a parent survey or petition regarding safety concerns at the Oberlin – Stanford-Overland intersection; collaborate with Escondido school for distribution and support
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: College Terrace Library / Community Room
Meeting Start: 6:30 PM
Quorum: Yes
ATTENDEES
Board Members:
Adjourned: 7:20 PM
President: Richard Stolee
Vice President: Bridget McCormick
Treasurer: absent
Communications Director: Meghan Rice
Stanford Observer: absent
City Observer: -absent
Research Park Observer: Bradley Hamilton
California Ave Business District Observer: open position
Safety Coordinator: Pete Rice
Secretary: Jocelen Hamilton
Social Coordinator: Eileen Stolee
Additional Participants:
Diana Learned (Librarian)
Lee Fewell – resident
Peter Broadwell – resident
Planning for the Summer Block Party – Delegation of Responsibilities: Children Entertainment,
Food Truck acquisition, CTRA Provisions (drinks, dessert, utensils, etc)
Annual block party will be held on Saturday, September 12, with a focus on community engagement and resource sharing.
$1,500 grant requested and live band booked
Board members discussed entertainment options for children, with a budget target of about $400.
The event location near the library was favored for bathroom access and synergy with library services.
Food Truck Coordination and Menu Options Discussed with emphasis on kid-friendly and vegetarian choices
Past vendors and minimum spend requirements were reviewed to avoid previous payment confusions. Volunteers will contact food truck providers to research options
and negotiate terms. The group aims to diversify food offerings while staying within budget constraints.
Dessert Contributions to be Potluck Style, two cakes will be provided as a backup.
Attendees will be encouraged to bring desserts to share.
Multi-Channel Communication Approach Confirmed including emails, WhatsApp, Nextdoor, Instagram, TikTok, and physical placards to generate participation
Volunteers will research and book children’s activities within budget.
Update on CTRA Finances and Dissolution of the LLC
SThe board reported significant progress on resolving longstanding financial and legal complexities related to the LLC status.
CPA Engagement Led to Clear Dissolution Path for LLC with expected resolution soon, $150 fee
A CPA identified a form to send to the state that would terminate the LLC and erase associated fees.
The board recognized the need of developing a sustainable financial plan, highlight options for community members to donate to the CTRA
Observer Reports
Stanford Observer: Leah Cowan:
-$2 Football Ticket announcement -which all neighbors can use:
b
Stanford Athletics and Stanford’s Office of Community Engagement would like to offer Bay Area non-profit organizations a special ticket promotion for the Stanford football home opener vs. Hawai’i on Saturday, August 29! Use this unique link to secure up to five (5) tickets at the promotional rate of $2 per ticket!
-local opportunities to experience public safety during National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Bol Park; great way for people of all ages to meet our public safety teams.
City Observer: Betsy Guadagno – ADDENDUM (received email after conclusion of meeting): -SB 79/ Cal Ave heights – New state law (July 1) allows ~7-story housing near the Cal Ave station. Council split; recess June 19-July 31.
-Stanford Terrace Inn (531 Stanford Ave.) Demolition ordered; redevelopment to follow. -Cato apartments (College & Wellesley) – housing proposal on a single-family lot; still live. -Safety Page Mill/El Camino work through ~October; Cal Ave car-free zone..
―
bike/pedestrian solution – my latest research shows that the city will put rumble strips for bikes and hope that bikes use Cambridge? Thanks for any info you have.
Research Park Observer: Bradley Hamilton:
Construction Site Noted for Dust Issues with mitigation efforts ongoing
Other
California Ave Business District Observer: open position
Neighborhood Advocacy Policy: Board declining to address zoning support requests outside College Terrace due to unclear community backing and no formal policy.
Upcoming National Night Out Event Highlighted for August 4th to boost community safety and engagement
The event includes police, fire, and pest control participation. It offers an opportunity to meet
local officials and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Meeting Minutes Approval Review Meeting Minutes from June Meeting -Approved
Action items
Bridget And Meghan
•
Delegate and coordinate children’s entertainment for the block party, including contacting the
balloon artist and considering backup options within a $400 budget (18:50)
Collaborate on planning the block party’s dessert arrangements encouraging potluck desserts
Meghan
Continue to handle block party advertising across various platforms, including email,
WhatsApp, Nextdoor, Instagram, and possibly extending to broader social media (31:05)
Bradley Hamilton
•
Assist Pete with researching and organizing the food truck vendors for the block party,
focusing on kid-friendly and vegetarian options and clarifying payment terms
Richard Stowley
Work with Alan on finalizing and submitting dissolution paperwork for the LLC to the state early
next week (35:30)
Add “discussion on flock cameras and privacy issues” to the next board meeting agenda and
circulate relevant information in advance
Include fundraising/donations strategy as agenda item for the next meeting to explore options
like silent auctions
All Board Members
Prepare for next meeting to discuss fundraising and donations strategies
•
Invite neighborhood members to attend future board meetings for direct dialogue
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 |