This is a great idea ! This is a win win proposal ! There is no reason why we cannot compromise and share California Ave.

I hope that everyone reading this takes a minute to see the other side, agrees that each side has some validity and works together to reach a compromise.

Thank you so much!

I agree with the above business owners.
Please note many of us in the general public are bot within an easy stroll of California Ave.
I have found it a nuisance to have El Camino Real X California blocked off.
I have visited the area much less since it was blocked off.

I agree with this letter, though it is quite restrained (and I appreciate the need for restraint, as there are those on the side of keeping California Ave. closed permanently who are quite vicious toward those who would like to see a reopening of ANY kind!).

I am good friends with several of the business owners in the area - several are on California Avenue - some are on the adjacent streets/areas - ALL have suffered financially because of the closure. Some businesses are hanging on by a thread.

Having interfaced in the past with the City, it appears there is a definite bias toward remaining closed, no matter the better reasons for reopening.

Are there kickbacks and free dinners involved in maintaining the status quo? I realize this is an extreme pondering, but in today's political climate, one can never say 'that could never happen here.'

I spoke with one California Avenue restaurant owner just this past week. Being logistically challenged from parking, it is a huge deterrent for elderly diners requiring assistance to come to his establishment - or for those 'dressed for a formal event' diners who might have to brave bad weather just to get to his door. No curb drop-off access is available to either demographic.

Compare this reality to a couple of CA Ave. establishments (names redacted) who, from what I have been told confidentially, have financially benefited to the tune of over an additional $2 million dollars a year in revenue due to their expanded street dining.

And let's not forget the taxpayers who pay for the surface use of ALL PUBLICLY TRAVELED STREETS.

The whim of a select few business owners and the city council should not negatively impact or disenfranchise anyone. If this is not a study and ultimate plan that will benefit a larger radius over and above one street and a few blocks, it's a study that will be a complete waste of time. Full stop.

If it's to be opened at all, I'd suggest a "shared pedestrian zone" design -- for example, Web Link -- perhaps one-way, but certainly not with anything over a 10 mph speed limit, and clear pedestrian right-of-way.

We need to consider that perhaps the reason that there has been financial suffering of businesses on Cal Ave is not the road closure, but rather the simple facts of capitalism; supply and demand. I live just a few blocks away, and the #1 reason that I don't patronize these establishments is that they they don't all provide value for what they offer. I am someone who would have loved to start shopping reliably at Country Sun when I moved here, but $12 for a bottle of orange juice? Come on. Maybe some people in this neighborhood can afford that, but students and normal folks can't. Don't blame the parking.

Plenty of businesses within the closure are bustling. What we need is more affordable places to socialize (notice that Backyard Brews is always packed!)
If anyone here is looking for a business idea, a solid beergarden/dive bar is what this town needs (a la San Benito House in Half Moon Bay.) We have more than enough fancy places for a business dinner that costs a service worker an entire day's wages. Let's build something for the community.

Cal Avenue has been looking like a junkyard for too long. Do something. It's more cluttered every time I go there. I usually bike there, and it has become a labyrinth in the closed section--signed to exclude bicycling. Pedestrians wandering willy nilly everywhere. This space used to provide a direct bike route between the train station and SRP and between the Cal Ave bike/ped tunnel and the shopping/business district. This was great for alternative commuters. The current situation is a hot mess.

What's up with the stupid golf and cheezy plastic chess board and temporary ugly plastic canopies that block any sight line to store windows and signs? Some tables with normal size chess boards would be more attractive and functional and could double as eating tables or places to rest while shopping. And golf? Seriously? We are blocking convenient, sustainable bike commutes in exchange for practice space for one of the world's least environmentally sustainable sports? Who thought that would be an improvement?

Good grief. WHY is this so hard? I don't know anyone who is happy about it. Covid is over. Let's get this done.

And to think the city spent almost $7 million on the Cal Ave facelift just a few years ago.