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.

The Ravenswood Business District Specific Plan Update

The City of East Palo Alto has been working on an update to the Ravenswood Business District Specific Plan. Potential options studied include 2.8 million or 3.3 million sq ft of office space.

April 09, 2024 - 2 min read

How to Identify and Add Trees into Canopy's TreePlotter Web Software

This morning I added around 150 trees in my neighborhood into Canopy's TreePlotter software in only 1.5 hours. Here is how I was able to leverage AI technology to make the process very efficient.

April 07, 2024 - 2 min read

Cars Regularly Block Pulgas Ave Southbound While Queueing for Ecumenical Hunger Program

A number of stakeholders have identified that Pulgas Ave southbound between Bay Rd and Weeks St is regularly being blocked by cars queueing to pick up food and items at the Ecumenical Hunger Program. In this post, I write about the current problems.

March 31, 2024 - 8 min read

Analysis: EPX is the Second SamTrans US-101 Express Bus

EPX is the second SamTrans US-101 express bus. This is a big deal! I dived into the 2018 SamTrans US-101 Express Bus Feasibility Study and wanted to share my learnings here.

March 09, 2024 - 7 min read

My First Ride on SamTrans EPX Bus From East Palo Alto to SFO Airport

I took the new SamTrans EPX bus from East Palo Alto to SFO. It took 1 hour and cost $2.05, a nice alternative to paying for a 25-minute, $45 Uber ride.

February 19, 2024 - 10 min read

Future Linear Park in East Palo Alto

How can East Palo Alto work with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to construct a new linear park on their land?

February 14, 2024 - 3 min read

Clarke Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing Lights Are Working Again

I just wanted to write a quick update that the Clarke Overcrossing lights are working again. I noticed them working last week, so around 1 week after my article reporting on why they are out. Why are the Clarke Avenue Overcrossing Lights Completely Out?Either there is a trend of

February 04, 2024 - 1 min read

Why are the Clarke Avenue Overcrossing Lights Completely Out?

Either there is a trend of increasing vandalism in East Palo Alto, or I am becoming more observant of our city's infrastructure.

January 23, 2024 - 5 min read

We Need Safer Walkways in Woodland Park to the New University Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing

Woodland Avenue is currently unwalkable in certain parts going westward towards University Ave.

January 14, 2024 - 5 min read