Three Public Meeting Opportunities to Learn About and Comment on the SAFER Bay Project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report

The goal of the SAFER Bay Project is to reduce risks to people, property, and infrastructure from current tidal flooding and projected sea level rise. The proposed project uses engineered and natural features to provide protection from sea level rise and tidal flooding, enhance shoreline ecosystems, and improve recreational opportunities.

In some areas of the Project, tidal salt marsh habitat will be restored, helping further provide flood protection for Menlo Park and East Palo Alto while also creating new critical habitat for western snowy plover (federally listed as threatened) and other wildlife species. This project will also create new trails and protect existing trails from flooding, including segments of the San Francisco Bay Trail and other trails.

The Draft EIR provides an analysis of the physical environmental effects of implementing the proposed SAFER Bay project, describes the environmental setting, assesses the project’s impacts, and identifies mitigation measures for significant impacts. The Draft EIR is available to download from the SFCJPA SAFER Bay Project webpage: https://www.sfcjpa.org/safer-bay-project-deir-available.

The SAFER Bay Project includes approximately 7 miles of shoreline, starting from O’Connor Street in East Palo Alto at San Francisquito Creek, and ending at the boumdary of Menlo Park and Redwood City.

We are accepting comments on the Draft EIR!

The comment period closes at 5pm on January 23, 2026. At the end of the comment period, the project team will incorporate comments and prepare a response to all comments received. Certification of the Final EIR is planned for May 2026.

Ways to Comment:

• Verbally or in writing at any of the public meetings
• By mailing comments to the SFCJPA offices: 750 Menlo Ave. Suite 250, Menlo Park, CA 94025
• By emailing comments to tbyler@sfcjpa.org
• By submitting comments on our online form at our website: The SAFER Bay Project - San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority under “Project Status and DEIR Comment Form” section.

Public Meeting #1 - East Palo Alto

When: Monday, December 15, 2025. 6 PM to 8 PM

Where: East Palo Alto Government Center
Council Chamber (1st Floor)
2415 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Public Meeting #2 - Menlo Park

When: Wednesday, December 17, 2025. 6 PM to 8 PM

Where: Belle Haven Community Campus
100 Terminal Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025

A light dinner, on-site childcare, and Spanish language interpretation will be available at both the East Palo Alto and Menlo Park public meetings.

Email RSVP@sfcjpa.org to let us know if you will be attending. RSVP for either meeting is not required but appreciated for planning purposes.

Public Meeting #3 – As Part of the Regular SFCJPA Board Meeting

The SFCJPA Board meeting will include an opportunity for board and community members to ask questions and provide comments about the project. Written comments on the Draft EIR presented during the meeting will also be collected.

When: Thursday, December 18, 2025. 3:30 PM

Where: City of Menlo Park Council Chambers
751 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA
Menlo Park, CA 94025

More Information: This regular meeting of the SFCJPA Board of Directors will be a hybrid meeting. Attendees may join in person or may attend via Zoom. Attendees wishing to join via Zoom must register at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eAVko6C-Q7qfQuBHBn5grg. The Zoom portion of the meeting, including slide presentation materials, will be recorded. This recording will be posted on the SFCJPA website.