Drone footage shows Highway 101 southbound traffic slowing near Rengstorff Ave, where ramp meters remain off. Free-flowing on-ramp traffic merges at a 1:1 ratio, creating waves of congestion. Caltrans should investigate why the meters aren’t working.

The San Mateo County Transportation Authority just funded $25M in projects that boost mobility for East Palo Alto—Dumbarton West Connector design, EPX service expansion, and Ride Plus to Palo Alto Transit Center. Here’s why this matters.

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.

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.

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.

I argue that both on-street and off-street parking in the RBD should be priced appropriately to foster the vibrant, walkable downtown with shops and restaurants that East Palo Alto residents have long desired.

Next week on March 18, 2025, East Palo Alto's City Council will take the first reading of a draft Residential Parking Permit Program ordinance. While I support the parking permit program, there are some important changes I would like to see to make this successful.