Christopher Kao

My name is Chris and I am a resident of East Palo Alto. I work as a software engineer. I am also a Public Works & Transportation Commissioner, advising City Council on infrastructure issues.

How Reporting a Google Maps Error Reduced Cut-Through Traffic in East Palo Alto

Some East Palo Alto streets face heavy cut-through traffic as navigation apps route drivers through illegal turns. By submitting corrections to Google and Apple Maps, I helped redirect traffic to main roads, aligning with city planning efforts to reduce congestion in residential areas.

February 10, 2025 - 10 min read

Cycling Made Safer: Google Maps Now Includes All East Palo Alto Bike Lanes

Google Maps now prioritizes East Palo Alto’s newly added bike lanes for safer and more efficient cycling, benefiting both residents and cyclists from nearby cities.

February 05, 2025 - 4 min read

Unraveling the East Bayshore Bottleneck: How Inefficiencies at Laura Ln Impact East Palo Alto's PM Commute

I analyze drone video footage of bottlenecking at East Bayshore Rd & Laura Ln in Palo Alto, which negatively impacts East Palo Alto residents driving home during PM rush hour.

January 28, 2025 - 6 min read

Can Carshares in East Palo Alto Ease Parking Congestion on Our Streets? (Part 2)

If we can build a carshare network in East Palo Alto within 0.5 miles of any resident, the residents who do not use their cars do not have to own their car and this would reduce on street parking demand.

January 07, 2025 - 8 min read

Canopy Planted 20 Trees for Free in Our East Palo Alto HOA

This is a runback to share how to organize a tree planting in your HOA, how to overcome potential challenges, and how to get the approval of multiple stakeholders.

December 20, 2024 - 9 min read

Our Speed Hump Request Was Denied and It Would Have Qualified in Menlo Park

East Palo Alto's speed hump eligibility criteria does not allow for neighborhood connector streets. I make an argument that it should, to conform with Menlo Park's policy on the same streets.

December 18, 2024 - 4 min read

Temporary Traffic Circle Installed at Fordham & Notre Dame

The City of East Palo Alto's third temporary traffic circle has been installed at Fordham & Notre Dame.

December 07, 2024 - 2 min read

Third Temporary Traffic Circle to Be Installed at Fordham & Notre Dame in East Palo Alto

On November 13, 2024, the City of East Palo Alto will be installing its third temporary traffic circle which one day may be a permanent mini roundabout.

November 05, 2024 - 5 min read

Petition for a Speed Hump on Your Street

Pretty exciting news! A number of streets in East Palo Alto are now eligible for speed humps even if buses run on them. Residents and businesses along Pulgas Ave, Clarke Ave, and parts of the University Village (to the north) should jump on this opportunity.

July 13, 2024 - 7 min read