“Unhinged”? - You decide.

Last week, San Francisco Chronicle opinion writer Emily Hoeven published a hit piece against Save Downtown Menlo – calling our grassroots effort “unhinged.”

Here’s just one excerpt, regarding our concern over inadequate parking:

So, who would actually be inconvenienced?

Most likely wealthy shoppers from Portola Valley, Woodside and Atherton who drive to downtown Menlo Park and “absolutely believe they’re entitled to their parking spot in front of their store,” Karen Grove, co-founder of Menlo Together, a group that advocates for affordable housing, sustainability and economic justice, told me. 

If that’s what Menlo Together thinks of the people who use our downtown, then it’s no wonder that they don’t want us to have a vote.

Fortunately, if our ballot measure passes, the people of Menlo Park will have a vote. And that’s a good thing — because there are better places for the housing we need, and because our downtown businesses wouldn’t survive the current plan.

We thank The Chronicle for publishing these two thoughtful Letters to the Editor in response - one which references this excellent analysis of how our Housing Element could be updated.

Writing to editors, as was so eloquently done above, is one way you can help. Another way is to help fund our campaign, as we are up against powerful, entrenched forces.

So please donate to our campaign today. Your contribution will demonstrate our resolve and provide resources our that our volunteers need.

And lastly, to our friends in Portola Valley, Woodside, and Atherton — we LOVE having you in our downtown. It’s yours as much as ours, and we’re proud to have you as neighbors.

Thank you,
Save Downtown Menlo