Campaign Coverage in the Local Media
"As the city of Palo Alto moves closer to deciding how to separate the Caltrain tracks from the street at three crossings, at least one City Council candidate wants the city to reconsider a viaduct.
“'It’s the option that’s potentially fastest, cheapest, could require the least amount of property takings, and would not divide the city physically,' said Cari Templeton, one of nine candidates running for four seats on Palo Alto council.
"With a viaduct, the train tracks would be above the road on a long bridge supported by a series of arches or columns. Templeton wants to see the option further evaluated for crossings at Charleston Road, Meadow Drive and Churchill Avenue, although she acknowledged there might not be enough room for the structure at Churchill Avenue."
"Candidates tackle downtown vacancies at Chamber forum," Palo Alto Online, by Gennady Sheyner, September 13, 2024
"Templeton said creating housing in the business districts would support the type of neighborhoods that Jane Jacobs wrote about in “Death and Life of American Cities,” where different uses interact in a way that benefits everyone. She suggested that constructing housing over parking on public lots would foster such an environment.
“I think it would benefit everybody and it would also keep the area active and reduce crime as a result,” Templeton said."
"Planning Commissioner Cari Templeton to run for council again," Daily Post, by Braden Cartwright, July 5, 2024
"Planning Commissioner Cari Templeton is running for Palo Alto City Council, joining three of her colleagues on the planning commission in the race.
"Templeton, 48, has worked for state Sen. Josh Becker and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian. She’s been involved with the Santa Clara County Democratic Party since 2017.
...
"She’s been in the thick of the city’s planning for rail crossings as the planning commission’s representative on the Expanded Community Advisory Panel or XCAP, which is evaluating the train crossing alternatives. Prior to joining the planning commission, she served as a member of the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan working group, which is a panel of residents creating a vision for the future of the former Fry’s site and nearby properties."