Mitigating flood risks.

Protecting shared natural treasures.

About the JPA

After a serious flooding event in 1998, the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) was formed in 1999 to lead projects that mitigate the risk of flooding along the San Francisquito Creek and the Bay. The cities of East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and the San Mateo County Flooding and Sea Level Resiliency District and the Santa Clara Valley Water District formed the SFCJPA. The Creek is one of the few mostly natural watercourses in the region and forms the boundary between the Counties of San Mateo and Santa Clara, and the cities of Menlo Park and East Palo Alto to the north and the City of Palo Alto to the south. The SFCJPA integrates habitat protection and restoration and community recreational opportunities into its flood risk mitigation projects.

SFCJPA Mission

MISSION OR PURPOSE STATEMENT Purpose-aim, goal, or assignment of the SFCJPA

The SFCJPA’s Mission is to plan, manage, and coordinate flood risk reduction measures through the contributions of its member agencies and by establishing policy direction and central communications for Watershed, Creek, and Shoreline activities.

The SFCJPA’s objectives are to reduce the risk of flooding to protect people and property, preserve and enhance the environment, and create public amenities for enjoyment while promoting community awareness and participation in these processes.

SFCJPA Vision

VISION FOR SAN FRANCISQUITO CREEK Vision-foresight and image for the watershed

The San Francisquito Creek, its tributaries and contributing land areas, flood plain, and shoreline are equitably and cooperatively managed to protect people and property, support and maintain a healthy natural resource system that reduces the risk of flooding, sustains healthy natural habitats, and offers opportunity for human respite and recreation.

SFCJPA Services and Functions

The SFCJPA serves the communities of East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Palo Alto by addressing flood risks from the San Francisquito Creek and the Bay Shoreline through collaboratively planned, multi-benefit projects. The SFCJPA provides coordination, planning, implementation and on-going monitoring of flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration projects.

The SFCJPA derives its statutory authority from California State Code Joint Exercise of Powers Act, as codified in California Government Code Section 6500.

Report a Problem

If you see a problem in the San Francisquito Creek, you can alert us and we will find the right organization to correct the problem. You may call any staff member, or use this form to report -

  • Trash (litter, yard waste, construction debris or other dumping) in the creek channel

  • Large trees or branches that have fallen into the creek channel

  • Other problems

Staff Contact Information

Margaret Bruce - Executive Director. 650/643-1451 (direct) 650/384-7850 (cell) mbruce@sfcjpa.org

Miyko Harris-Parker, CMC - Finance and Administration Manager and Clerk of the Board. 650/643-1452 (direct) 650/ 304-2362 (cell) mhparker@sfcjpa.org

Tess Byler, PG, CHG - Sr. Project Manager. 650/643-1454 (direct) 650/304-4998 (cell) tbyler@sfcjpa.org

Denean Ni - Project Manager. 650/643-1453 (direct) dni@sfcjpa.org

Web page last updated on June 24, 2024.