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Horse jumping and housing advocates converge in Atherton

Menlo Charity Horse Show's 50th anniversary drew spectators and a small group of activists

A rider goes by stalls for horses at the Menlo Charity Show at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton on Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Magali Gauthier.

At the Menlo Charity Horse Show in Atherton last week, local housing advocates mingled with the horsey set as the fundraising event celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, Aug. 12.

About 20 members of the YIMBY Action housing advocacy group handed out fliers to promote upzoning to allow for more density. YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) activists wore T-shirts that read "Yes to people. Yes to housing."

Alexander Melendrez, organizing manager for YIMBY Action, said Atherton's housing policy is heading in the wrong direction after its City Council removed multifamily housing from its state-mandated housing plan this summer.

"Part of it is making sure wealthy towns and suburbs like Atherton, Hillsborough, Woodside say 'yes to people' and welcome affordable housing into their communities," he said.

The annual horse show at the Menlo Circus Club is a fundraiser that benefits the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

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Angela Swartz
 
Angela Swartz joined The Almanac in 2018 and covers education and small towns. She has a background covering education, city politics and business. Read more >>

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Horse jumping and housing advocates converge in Atherton

Menlo Charity Horse Show's 50th anniversary drew spectators and a small group of activists

At the Menlo Charity Horse Show in Atherton last week, local housing advocates mingled with the horsey set as the fundraising event celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, Aug. 12.

About 20 members of the YIMBY Action housing advocacy group handed out fliers to promote upzoning to allow for more density. YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) activists wore T-shirts that read "Yes to people. Yes to housing."

Alexander Melendrez, organizing manager for YIMBY Action, said Atherton's housing policy is heading in the wrong direction after its City Council removed multifamily housing from its state-mandated housing plan this summer.

"Part of it is making sure wealthy towns and suburbs like Atherton, Hillsborough, Woodside say 'yes to people' and welcome affordable housing into their communities," he said.

The annual horse show at the Menlo Circus Club is a fundraiser that benefits the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Comments

Rick Johnson
Registered user
another community
on Aug 23, 2022 at 5:02 pm
Rick Johnson, another community
Registered user
on Aug 23, 2022 at 5:02 pm

If it were up to the YIMBY folks housing would consist of stack and pack with a local Commissar in charge of who sleeps where. Those trying to build a barn for their horses would be referred to as which unwoke folks.


new guy
Registered user
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Aug 23, 2022 at 9:02 pm
new guy, Menlo Park: Downtown
Registered user
on Aug 23, 2022 at 9:02 pm

Wish they (the YIMBYS) would spend more of their time in Atherton and leave other nearby towns alone. Although rich people need to live somewhere too. Oh, and also have plenty of acres of space to ride horses.


Private citizen
Registered user
Laurel School
on Aug 30, 2022 at 11:10 am
Private citizen , Laurel School
Registered user
on Aug 30, 2022 at 11:10 am

Depends what Atherton is saying yes to. If, for example, they want to repurpose their last proposal for building up lots on bay rd and Ringwood, the hit will be to Menlo Park residents along bay rd. , not to Atherton. Let’s see those Athertonians in favor, place the housing in an area that is not already being pig-piled on. If you’re really in favor, let’s see you put some real skin in the game - maybe one of those horse areas?


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