This week's Atherton Online features: 

• Traffic Notice: Caltrain's Grade Crossing Improvement at Watkins Avenue
• A look back at Phar Lap, Atherton's Equestrian Icon
• Free Smoke Alarm Installation from the American Red Cross 
• Sharing Space with Local Wildlife
• Mayor Bill Widmer's Office Hours 

Traffic Notice: Caltrain's Grade Crossing Improvement at Watkins Ave

Caltrain, in cooperation with the Town of Atherton, will begin a project to improve the safety at Watkins Avenue. These improvements will increase safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Their primary contractor completing the work is Graniterock.

Active construction will begin on 5/08/2023 and be completed in the Fall of 2023. Most traffic delays will be in May and June. Regularly scheduled work hours at and around the crossing will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

During work hours, it may be necessary to temporarily re-route traffic (vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian) around lane closures at each crossing. Additionally, traffic may be slowed cross the tracks at Watkins. Flaggers will be in place to help re-route traffic safely. 

For questions about the project, please contact the Caltrain Construction Hotline at  650.508.7726 or email construction@caltrain.com. 

Celebrating Atherton's 100th Birthday

The Town of Atherton turns 100 on September 12, 2023. You'll want to save the date for two celebrations: 

• September 12, 2023: Special Town Council meeting on September 12, 2023. Residents are invited to join the Town for a screening of a centennial video celebration and cake. 
• September 24, 2023: Centennial Celebration at Town Center with exhibits, food, family activities, and tree giveaway

Leading up to those celebrations, each week in the Atherton Online, we are featuring icons, places, and historical moments that have made this Town the vibrant community that it is today. This week, equestrian legend Phar Lap is featured. View it here: https://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/11012/Centennial---Phar-Lap. 

Sharing Space with Local Wildlife

Coyotes are an increasingly common site in suburban San Mateo County. We've recently been notified of a coyote sited in Lindenwood. Animal Control does not remove or relocate healthy wildlife from our Town. Now is a great time to learn more about how we can live respectfully with coyotes and other wildlife. The San Mateo County Vector District provides tips and resources to avoid conflict with coyotes on their website here: https://www.smcmvcd.org/coyotes.  

If you do come across injured or dead wildlife, San Mateo County Healthy has a variety of contacts depending on the situation on their website here:  https://www.smchealth.org/report-problem-animals-and-pests

Did you know? 

The Atherton Mayor offers weekly office hours. Join Mayor Bill Widmer on Tuesdays, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at City Hall - First Floor Conference Room. No appointment is necessary.