Diana Hawkins-Manuelian

Government Reform I would prioritize communications with city residents so that residents can stay informed and be involved. Atherton is both an increasingly diverse community and an increasingly cloistered community. There is a natural tension between homeowners who prefer to live privately behind their hedges and fences and the need to build community and lines of communication between residents and the town. Far too many Atherton residents don’t participate. I think Atherton can do a much better job of reaching out to engage a broader number of our residents, welcoming new residents to the community, and helping them access town information and events. I would like to explore new ways for residents to be informed and engaged. Criminal Justice / Public Safety In addition to earthquakes, Atherton is at greater risk of canopy fires and hazardous smoke. We need to support and expand the Atherton Disaster and Preparedness Team (A.D.A.PT.) and coordinate these efforts across the city with policed department and fire district. Government Reform Earlier this year, the Atherton City Council members proposed that Atherton detach from the Menlo Park Fire District. I strongly oppose withdrawing from the fire district because we need our first-class fire district now more than ever. By participating in a fire district (that includes Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, and parts of unincorporated San Mateo), we can pool our tax dollars to have one of the nation’s best fire departments. Infrastructure / Transportation There is much that is still unknown about the Atherton train station closing and the details of the agreement that will be negotiated with Caltrain. I am sad to see us lose our train station. Mass transit options should be supported both for environmental purposes and to provide equitable transportation options to our service community. The feasibility of sustaining train service in light of declining usage numbers versus the benefits of: expanded quiet zones, emergency transportation safety, efficient track usage for Caltrain, and use of the CalTrain parking to add much-needed parking to the Town Center should all be considered. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Smoke and fire do not recognize city borders! We need to work together with our fire district and the state to create a plan to address the complicated and costly long-term problems caused by increased fire and smoke. Environment / Energy We need to work toward supporting policies that meet and exceed the minimum green building standards in the California Code and lower our overall carbon footprint. I would like to see Atherton weigh in on demanding better grid planning. I would work to get Atherton on track to meet our environmental goals through action and public education.