City events and news

CITYWIDE EVENTS

LIGHT UP THE SEASON

Friday, Dec. 2 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Fremont Park

Visit Fremont Park for our annual tree lighting event. This event brings the Menlo Park community together to ring in the holiday season.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Enjoy a light breakfast, holiday crafts and a visit with Santa. Bring your camera! Reservations are required, $5 per person. Registration begins Nov. 14. Please make sure each person in your group has their own ticket.

WINTER MOVIE IN THE THEATER

Saturday, Jan. 21, 1:30 p.m.

Menlo Atherton Performing Arts Center

Gather the family for a Saturday afternoon. Disney’s Encanto will be playing at the Performing Arts Center theater. Join us!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Saturday, Feb. 11

Belle Haven Branch Library

Take time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society. Live music, poetry readings and entertainment.

SUMMER CAMP FAIR

Friday, March 3, 6−7:30 p.m.

Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Come and see what exciting camps are being offered this summer!

EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 8

Festivities include bounce houses, crafts and pictures with the bunny. Stay tuned for more information!

Housing Element Update: Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report

Friday, Nov. 4, the City published the draft subsequent environmental impact report for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update, Safety Element Update, and a new Environmental Justice Element for the City’s General Plan, collectively called the Housing Element Update project. A paper copy is available for review at the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma St., and at the Belle Haven Branch Library at 413 Ivy Drive. Electronic copies of the draft subsequent environmental impact report and notice of availability are available on the City website. The draft subsequent environmental impact report analyzes up to 4,000 net new housing units to meet the City’s regional housing needs allocation during the eight-year planning period from 2023 to 2031. The Project identifies 69 potential housing opportunity sites made up of 83 parcels, plus a number of areas within the city, as candidates for housing development. It is possible that one or more of these locations are on a toxic site list pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code §65962.5, but the question is not addressed in the draft subsequent environmental impact report. The matter is more appropriately considered if and when future development applications for specific sites are submitted. The housing sites would be geographically dispersed throughout the city, primarily located in City Council Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5, and could be produced through a combination of rezoning, increased densities, and/or updates to the zoning ordinance and El Camino Real and Downtown Specific Plan. The subsequent environmental impact report also analyzes approved and pending housing developments in the “pipeline” and the development of projected accessory dwelling units through 2031, which are permitted to count toward the City’s regional housing needs allocation. The Project analyzed in the subsequent environmental impact report includes adoption of General Plan amendments that would add or modify goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs related to housing, safety, and environmental justice that would apply citywide. Residents are encouraged to review the draft subsequent environmental impact report. The 45-day comment review period for the draft subsequent environmental impact report is open now through Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. Written comments must be submitted through the web form located at menlopark.gov/HousingElementDEIRComments or by letter to: Tom Smith Community Development 701 Laurel St. Menlo Park, CA 94025

More details on the project are available on the Housing Element Update project page. The draft Housing Element and other related documents are also available on the project page. Following the close of the draft subsequent environmental impact report public review period Dec. 19, 2022, staff will prepare a final subsequent environmental impact report that will include responses to all substantive comments received.

Menlo Park is an exceptional place to live, learn, grow and play. It’s home to beautiful parklands, excellent public facilities, vibrant culture and friendly faces.

We encourage you to explore and enjoy everything that the city and community of Menlo Park has to offer.

For questions and information, call us at 650-330-2220

Don’t see a class you are looking for?

This paper guide contains just a sample of the activities available. To view the complete and most up–to–date listings of our services, registers and submit payments electronically, visit our online guide menlopark.gov/activityguide.

LIGHT UP THE SEASON HOLIDAY EVENT