Pamela D. Jones (Pam) is a long-time resident of the Belle Haven neighborhood. She believes government should be accessible to everyone and encourages all residents to be civically engaged. Through a grant to Menlo Together (M2T), Pam was able to create Kitchen Table Chats – Belle Haven Empowered (KTC – BHE).  The mission is to demystify government policy through educating and encouraging people to recognize both their power and responsibility to drive change. Pam believes the key to equity in democracy begins at the local level through understanding government processes, engaging in voter registration, education, and voting. This includes challenging the ways in which cities and counties have traditionally engaged residents. 

Pam found that Environmental Impact Reports do not consider the effect of construction on humans. This is significant as the vast majority of Menlo Park development is in the backyard of Belle Haven. Her neighborhood is deeply impacted by poor air quality, effects of sea level rise, high cost of flood insurance, and a limited tree canopy. Community participation in Menlo Park’s first Environmental Just Element is bringing equity in the governmental process, an aspect of KTC – BHE.

Pam is a member of San Mateo County VEOAC, Core Member Menlo Together, co-founder Menlo Park Residents for Civic Engagement, past member LWVSSMC-DEI, board member Menlo Park Historical Association, and secretary of Meditate & Thrive, Inc.