- Palestinian co-director Basel Adra and Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham delivered notable speeches after their documentary 'No Other Land' won the Oscar for Best Documentary, highlighting Palestinian suffering and calling for an end to ethnic cleansing.
- 'No Other Land' was created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective and depicts the Israeli military destruction of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, emphasizing themes of displacement and resistance.
- Both directors used their speeches to condemn ethnic supremacy, occupation, and US foreign policy support for injustice, calling for peace, shared rights, and a political solution.
- The Oscar win marked a notable moment where Hollywood publicly supported Palestinian issues despite recent Hollywood industry censorship and suppression of pro-Palestine voices.
- The article criticizes Hollywood's general suppression of Palestinian narratives, citing examples of industry cancellations and limited distribution of 'No Other Land' in the US.
- Promotes spreading the directors' speeches and raising awareness about Palestinian suffering and resistance, emphasizing the importance of global visibility for such issues.
- A resident advocates for including a full-size turf soccer field with lighting and community amenities in the SRI development, emphasizing benefits for youth health, sports participation, and community engagement, and criticizing the lack of substantial community benefits in similar projects.
- Community members express strong opposition to reducing downtown parking spaces for housing or business developments, citing the importance of existing parking for local commerce and quality of life. Suggestions include re-evaluating proposals and utilizing alternative locations like the civic center for new developments.
- A business owner shares the negative effects of street closures on their store's visibility and sales, advocating for the removal of obstructions like parklets that hinder access and contribute to downtown decline.
- A resident emphasizes the value of outdoor dining in downtown Menlo Park, advocating for its continuation despite traffic challenges, to maintain community vibrancy and economic activity.
- A resident requests action from animal control concerning increasing coyote sightings in west Menlo Park, sharing a community alert and concern for safety.
- Envision Menlo urges the city to prioritize downtown revitalization efforts in upcoming strategic discussions, seeking collaboration to enhance the area's vibrancy and appeal.
- A long-term resident warns that focusing on using downtown parking lots for housing could harm local businesses and reduce accessibility, recommending alternative locations like near HWY 101 to avoid disrupting the urban core.
- Many residents and business owners oppose repurposing downtown parking lots for housing, citing negative impacts on local businesses, limited parking, traffic congestion, and potential business closures. Calls for alternative locations and parking infrastructure developments are prominent.
- Multiple community members emphasize the urgent need for additional recreational facilities, including full-size sports fields, lights for evening use, bike paths, and gathering spaces. These amenities are seen as vital for youth, health, and enhancing quality of life amid increased density.
- Residents generally support affordable housing but urge placement outside of downtown parking areas, favoring locations like Civic Center or other less congested sites to balance community character, business vitality, and housing needs.
- Legal and environmental considerations include potential challenges to using parking lots as surplus land, with suggestions to explore other sites like the VA facility or civic areas. There is concern over rushed development and inadequate impact studies.
- Increased density and proposed developments threaten to worsen traffic congestion and parking shortages, impacting local businesses, community events, and daily life for residents, especially those with mobility needs.
- Residents call for transparent processes with public outreach, inclusion of youth voices, and clear communication of proposals and impacts regarding development projects, especially the Parkline and Willow Village developments.
- Suggestions include developing underground parking structures, revitalizing downtown with retail and cultural spaces similar to San Luis Obispo, and improving pedestrian and bicycle access while preserving the town's small-town character.
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