This story shows just how out of control Californian governance has become, and I don’t just mean at the state level. The state’s ban on downzoning cascades to cause Menlo Park to propose an even more laughably complex, unworkable, top-down system that will do nothing to make housing more affordable while continuing to erode property rights. What a colossal waste of time and effort.

Give it up, California. Your socialist experiment isn’t working.

The City Council should make all decisions when Overriding Considerations are determined. They have a broader view of the city and are accountable to voters, unlike commissioners who are appointees.
It would be new for the commission to make such decisions. So what if there is more work for staff? Projects that require a decision of Overriding Considerations will have been determined to have significant adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated. Elected officials should be held accountable to ensure that any proposed project really would provide sufficient benefits that its negative impacts can be overlooked. Commissioners have been charged with providing analysis and recommendations and should continue in that important capacity. It has been done this way for decades, and a change to avoid Council accountability is very sad.
The largest project in Menlo Park history, Willow Village, just had its Notice of Preparation due date (today 18 Oct) and the Council isn't weighing in on it. That is alarming.
Good for Combs for standing up. Too bad he couldn't persuade his colleagues

Thank you Kate for your excellent reporting. As to the Staff, the MP Council needs more mechanisms to ensure accountability from the Department Managers and City Manager. Unfortunately, the Staff report on the topic that "Council Accountability" refers to was confusingly written, and the presentation by the Assistant City Attorney also confusing. No wonder Council Member Taylor voted against her own recommendation. More clearly and concisely written Staff reports are needed to reduce Council's confusion as to just what they are voting for.

As to the Council subcommittee post moratorium recommendations, these should be given the highest Staff urgency and the results tracked and reported every month. What's missing in Menlo Park is the post-meeting accountability. Unfortunately, too many Study Sessions have resulted in no follow-on outcome. The Study Sessions need some kind of next step for what Council/Staff will actually do with the information shared. Residents need to continue to press for action.

As the only Council member to have rented at three addresses in less than two years, we were shocked and surprised that Combs tossed Nash and Taylor under the bus by voting against their proposed building moratorium.

California's accessory dwelling unit law has effectively eliminated R1 zoned residential district in the State (one single family home per parcel). This is an egregious and completely improper overreach by the State and the State should be sued and/or cities should actively defy its implementation.

"Give it up, California. Your socialist experiment isn’t working."

5th largest Economy in the world. Perhaps you would be happier in a slower paced environment like Kansas? It sounds to be just your speed.