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Around the block

A-TUMBLIN' DOWN ... Demolition of Alma Plaza in Palo Alto began on Monday, as workers used heavy equipment to tear down the long-vacant building that once housed a Lucky's, then an Albertsons, supermarket. The former shopping center in the 3400 block of Alma Street near East Meadow Drive once housed stores and restaurants in addition to the grocery store. Plans for Alma Plaza include 37 single-family homes, 14 below-market-rate apartments, a grocery store, retail space and a community room. It was approved in 2009.

WELL, WELL, WELL ... Some Barron Park residents huddled in a downpour on April 10 all for the sake of a few benches. Five Barron Park Association board members and eight neighbors were joined by Claire Elliott of the nonprofit Acterra to discuss ideas for the Matadero Well Site. The area is a favored spot by some residents because of its creekside location near Josina and Whitsell avenues. Residents used to sit there on benches, which were so well-used they crumbled. The City of Palo Alto had them removed, but no replacements were installed. The city has offered used benches in storage. Various ideas were put forth at the meeting, according to Lynnie Melena, association president: a neighborhood-wide design competition, public art and landscaping.

COLORFUL PARKS ... A program offered by Friends of the Palo Alto Parks aims to bring more hues to neighborhood open spaces. Through the Color Our Parks program, Rinconada Park has gained additional plants; at Bol Park, work is progressing on a native plant garden. The Friends are collaborating with the City of Palo Alto and the Kiwanis Club. The Friends can use their nonprofit status to help other interested neighborhood groups liven up their local parks, they said. More information is available at www.friendsofpaparks.org.

Send announcements of neighborhood events, meetings and news to Sue Dremann, Neighborhoods editor, at sdremann@paweekly.com. Or talk about your neighborhood news on Town Square at www.PaloAltoOnline.com.