Christopher Kao - East Palo Alto Sun (Page 2)

Closing the Gaps to the University Avenue Overcrossing

The new University Ave Bicycle & Pedestrian Overcrossing has unlocked safer travel across Hwy 101, but nearby streets remain dangerous. Urgent fixes to University, Donohoe, and Woodland Ave are needed to prevent more collisions.

August 13, 2025 - 7 min read

Why the Former Office Depot at Ravenswood 101 Has Stayed Empty for Five Years — And What’s Needed to Unlock Its Potential

The former Office Depot space has sat vacant for five years due to restrictive CC&Rs blocking popular tenants and difficult amendment rules—stalling redevelopment despite city plans for a vibrant, mixed-use district in East Palo Alto.

August 10, 2025 - 6 min read

Fixing a Dangerous Intersection: 13 Crashes at University & Purdue in 5 Years

The University & Purdue Ave intersection in East Palo Alto has seen 13 vehicle crashes since 2020, with a rising trend in 2025. This unsignalized 35mph crossing endangers drivers and clogs regional traffic. A signalized solution is overdue.

August 01, 2025 - 2 min read

Can’t Find Parking in EPA? New Data Confirms You’re Not Alone

East Palo Alto’s streets are over-parked, with many neighborhoods exceeding 100% occupancy. Our drone study shows the crisis is structural, not anecdotal—and urgent action is needed.

July 16, 2025 - 14 min read

Palo Alto’s RPP Program Is Larger Than East Palo Alto’s Entire Road Network — What That Means for Us

Palo Alto’s residential parking permit (RPP) program spans 44 miles—more than the total road length of East Palo Alto. As our city considers its own RPP ordinance, this comparison offers insight into what’s possible and how we might scale it locally.

June 28, 2025 - 3 min read

Mega Mart in East Palo Alto: A Mismatch or a Market Strategy?

Mega Mart’s new East Palo Alto store may seem out of place demographically, but with 40,000 Asians nearby, no local Asian grocers, and high traffic, it’s a bold and strategic market move.

June 02, 2025 - 3 min read

Why Does Palo Alto Own 15% of East Palo Alto?

Palo Alto owns 15% of East Palo Alto’s land—despite being in a different county. It’s time for East Palo Alto to reclaim this underused space and transform it into parks, trails, and public assets.

May 31, 2025 - 6 min read

Ride Plus in East Palo Alto: Data-Driven Opportunities for Improved Mobility

At the April 16, 2025 Public Works & Transportation Commission meeting, I presented SamTrans Ride Plus statistics. The slides can be viewed here: SamTrans Ride Plus Statistics East Palo AltoSamTrans Ride Plus Statistics East Palo Alto Chris Kao April 16, 2025Google Docs The video link is here: https://cityofepa.granicus.

May 31, 2025 - 1 min read

Intersection Gridlock Analysis at Donohoe St and Highway 101 NB Off-Ramp

Drone footage and observations show frequent intersection blocking at Donohoe St and the Hwy 101 NB off-ramp during peak hours, causing major delays for East Palo Alto residents and reducing the intersection’s efficiency.

May 22, 2025 - 4 min read