The David Lewis Reentry Center helps formerly incarcerated persons with services to aid their reintegration into society. But despite its apparent success, the program has continually struggled to find funding.
Overall crime has dropped in East Palo Alto as gentrification continues, but one problem persists — the city has struggled to lose its unwanted reputation as a center for gang activity in San Mateo County.
East Palo Alto water users may be required to pay, on average, 36 percent more for water in fiscal year 2014-2015 due to a proposed increase in wholesale water rates. A public hearing for the proposal is June 17.
In 2006, voters approved a parcel tax that would equally fund public safety measures and violence prevention programs. The city is now racing the clock to use unspent prevention money before the tax expires.
Complaints over parking, noise and safety issues tied to “secondary dwelling units” – sometimes the only option for low-income residents — have prompted East Palo Alto officials to take notice.
East Palo Alto’s only homeless shelter is scheduled to open in time for the cold-weather season due in part to a $30,000 city grant. The city has the highest per capita rate of homelessness in San Mateo County.