Recent News
Friday, October 23, 2020
Red flag warning for high winds, fire weather starting Sunday
The National Weather Service issued alerts for fire weather and high winds Friday that are expected in parts of the Bay Area beginning on Sunday, and PG&E has begun notifying customers that it will shut off power in some areas.
Friday, 3:43 PM | 1 commentElectronics go missing in overnight home burglary as couple slept
For the third time this month, Palo Alto police are investigating a home burglary that happened during the early morning hours while the residents were asleep, the department said in a press release Friday.
Friday, 3:32 PM | No comments yetCity Council incumbents retain cash edge as Election Day looms
City Council member Greg Tanaka continues to enjoy a sizable lead in cash raised over his nine opponents in the council race, even as five other candidates have seen a recent uptick of contributions.
Friday, 9:56 AM | No comments yetNewcomer Jesse Ladomirak holds fundraising lead in school board race
Challenger Jesse Ladomirak continues to lead fundraising in the school board race, receiving about $7,700 during the most recent reporting period, according to campaign finance reports.
Friday, 9:49 AM | 1 commentSanta Clara County school board trustee Grace Mah's fundraising tops $300K
Santa Clara County school board trustee Grace Mah received a staggering $243,400 in contributions, primarily from charter school groups and representatives, during the most recent reporting period.
Friday, 9:39 AM | 4 commentsTo avoid COVID-19 scare, Halloween celebrations take on different look
From virtual carnivals to neighborhood costume parades to a candy chute to deliver treats hands-free, Midpeninsula cities and residents are gearing up for Halloween in creative and safer ways.
Friday, 6:56 AM | No comments yetCities, organizations put a new spin on Halloween traditions
We've compiled a list of entertaining alternatives Menlo Park, Mountain View and Palo Alto to celebrate the ghoulish Halloween holiday, which will look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday, 6:55 AM | No comments yetAn Alternative View: Why a gag order for Palo Alto city commissioners?
In a proposed new handbook for city boards, one recommendation states that these council appointees should avoid talking to the press. That would certainly ensure less transparency.
Friday, 6:55 AM | 6 commentsThursday, October 22, 2020
First COVID-19 drug treatment gains FDA approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19 in hospitalized patients, the first such treatment the FDA has authorized to fight the deadly coronavirus.
Thursday, 6:41 PM | No comments yetFacing a lawsuit, Palo Alto plans to permanently expand Foothills Park access
Spurred by a lawsuit from a coalition that includes the ACLU and the NAACP, Palo Alto is preparing to permanently abolish a long-standing policy of limiting Foothills Park access to residents and their guests.
Thursday, 5:38 PM | 44 commentsPUBLIC AGENDA: Potential changes to boards, commissions; school reopening update
A preview of Palo Alto government meetings for the week of Oct. 26.
Thursday, 4:01 PM | No comments yetBay Area's new growth plan eyes massive housing influx in Silicon Valley
Palo Alto, which has consistently failed to meet its own housing targets, would be required to plan for more than 10,000 new units under a proposal by the Association of Bay Area Governments.
Thursday, 9:46 AM | 30 commentsExcessive slang? Palo Alto seeks dismissal of lawsuit from violent Happy Donuts arrest
Facing another lawsuit alleging police brutality over an arrest in the Barron Park neighborhood, Palo Alto's attorneys are asking a federal court judge to toss out the complaint they claim is too long, too broad and too sarcastic.
Thursday, 9:42 AM | 11 commentsCalifornia schools see big jump in homeless students
California's escalating cost of living has led to a 48% surge in the state's homeless student population over the past decade, according to new research released Tuesday by researchers at UCLA.
Thursday, 9:09 AM | 1 commentWednesday, October 21, 2020
East Palo Alto voters face proposed hotel tax increase on ballot
This November, East Palo Alto residents will be revisiting a proposed hotel tax that hasn't been touched since it was first adopted more than 20 years ago.
Wednesday, 5:22 PM | 1 commentWith new parking garage, Palo Alto looks to drive workers out of residential neighborhoods
When a parking garage near California Avenue opens next month, it will stand out as a conspicuous symbol of the city's new approach to managing parking spots.
Wednesday, 2:13 PM | 10 commentsGood policy or ballot blackmail? Union keeps taking its fights with health industry to voters
SEIU-UHW president Dave Regan has become known as a labor leader who uses ballot initiatives to needle corporate adversaries.
Wednesday, 9:36 AM | No comments yetTuesday, October 20, 2020
DOJ accuses Google of illegally running a monopoly on internet searches
Google, which once adopted the motto "don't be evil," was accused Tuesday of illegally maintaining a monopoly position in internet search in the U.S. through anticompetitive and exclusionary tactics.
Tuesday, 5:29 PM | No comments yetBucking California's relaxed guidelines for large venues, Santa Clara County to keep stadiums, theme parks closed
Professional sporting events will not be allowed to have audiences and theme parks will not resume operation anytime soon in Santa Clara County, despite the state's decision that allows them to reopen, county leaders said on Tuesday.
Tuesday, 5:16 PM | 5 commentsPalo Alto commissioners bristle at council's push to exert more control over advisory bodies
A new effort by the City Council to strengthen its control over the city's commission system is facing backlash from some of the commissioners, who argue that the rules will chill free speech.
Tuesday, 9:51 AM | 19 commentsGuest Opinion: Halloween during a pandemic doesn't have to be scary
Local school superintendents Erik Burmeister, Beth Polito and Gina Sudaria implore families to plan alternative celebrations for upcoming holidays, including Halloween, due to the health crisis.
Tuesday, 9:00 AM | No comments yetPlummeting revenues threaten planned public safety building
With the local economy in tatters and city revenues on a steep decline, Palo Alto is preparing to reconsider its most ambitious infrastructure project: the new public safety building that is slated to go up near California Avenue.
Tuesday, 12:48 AM | 22 commentsMonday, October 19, 2020
To help small businesses, Santa Clara County supervisors propose $100M loan program
Santa Clara County Supervisors Susan Ellenberg and Joe Simitian are proposing a $100 million loan program that would provide low-interest loans to small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Monday, 2:35 PM | 4 commentsSunday, October 18, 2020
Students find new ways to get out the vote amid pandemic
Driven by concerns about climate change, racism and healthcare, students are more mobilized around the November election than they were in 2018 or 2016, according to researchers.
Sunday, 8:40 AM | 1 commentSaturday, October 17, 2020
Will charter school politics — and money — influence the local Santa Clara County school board race?
With Election Day less than three weeks away, outside money is pouring into the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 1 race, with charter school proponents making large contributions to incumbent Grace Mah.
Saturday, 3:26 PM | 30 commentsAround Town: Stanford economists wake up to news of their Nobel Prize
Read the story of how two Stanford economists learned they won a Nobel Prize and news about three local institutions addressing the digital divide by developing a guide on forming virtual programs.
Saturday, 7:42 AM | No comments yetFriday, October 16, 2020
Jury convicts man for mailing bombs in act of revenge on officers
An Oakland man was found guilty earlier this month of sending bombs through the mail in East Palo Alto and Alameda to take revenge on two officers, federal prosecutors said.
Friday, 10:43 AM | No comments yetMystery behind donated photo album leads woman on search for long-lost family connection
A donation to the Friends of the Palo Alto Library led to the discovery of a series of photographs of a now-deceased Palo Alto doctor and a mystery about where they came from.
Friday, 6:55 AM | 7 commentsEditorial: Our election recommendations
Learn about the Palo Alto Weekly's recommendations on local, regional and statewide candidates and measures, in addition to California propositions, on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
Friday, 6:55 AM | 24 commentsGuest Opinions: Arguments for, against Caltrain's Measure RR
Read guest opinions for and against Measure RR, a proposed eighth-cent sales tax in San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties that would generate $108 million per year for Caltrain operations.
Friday, 6:54 AM | 12 commentsHere's how you can vote in East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto voters have several options for returning their completed ballots, which can be dropped off at three drop box locations in their city or in-person vote centers throughout San Mateo County.
Friday, 6:54 AM | No comments yetThursday, October 15, 2020
Alleged robber causes scare with replica handgun at Stanford Shopping Center
A man who reportedly had a gun at Stanford Shopping Center, where allegedly stole $600 in merchandise from the Timberland store, was arrested by Palo Alto police on Saturday, police said.
Thursday, 6:25 PM | 8 commentsPUBLIC AGENDA: Discussions on litigation over excessive-force claim, Foothills Park access
A preview of Palo Alto government meetings for the week of Oct. 19.
Thursday, 4:45 PM | No comments yetPolice on search for duo in overnight crime spree
Palo Alto police detectives are investigating an early Monday morning crime spree after burglars entered two homes, prowled a third property and stole a car from another.
Thursday, 3:52 PM | 6 commentsGuest Opinions: Arguments for and against Santa Clara Valley Water District's Measure S
Read opinions for and against the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Measure S, which would raise $45.5 million annually to fund the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection program.
Thursday, 9:38 AM | 3 commentsWith election integrity at top of mind, what is Santa Clara County doing to keep your votes secure?
Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Shannon Bushey acknowledged concerns that have been raised about election security on Tuesday, however, she said safeguards have been put in place to ensure the integrity of the results.
Thursday, 9:05 AM | 9 commentsWednesday, October 14, 2020
With new rules, City Council looks to tighten its grip over boards, commissions
The long-standing system of citizen boards and commissions could see a shake-up Monday, when the council prepares to adopt rules that give it more power to shape their agendas and remove members.
Wednesday, 2:29 PM | 15 commentsAmid ongoing reopening anxieties, school district to provide COVID-19 testing for staff
Starting next week, Palo Alto school district employees will have access to free, biweekly COVID-19 testing to be provided on campus by Stanford Health Care.
Wednesday, 9:38 AM | 8 commentsTuesday, October 13, 2020
Would-be carjacker nabbed after struggle leads officer to use Taser
A man who allegedly attempted to steal a car and threatened to kill someone at Town & Country Village shopping center was taken into custody early Sunday after an officer deployed a Taser, police said.
Tuesday, 6:05 PM | 10 commentsGaines tapped to serve as Palo Alto's new deputy city manager
Chantal Cotton Gaines, a fixture in Palo Alto's recent efforts to launch the Office of Transportation and advance a new vision for the rail corridor, has been promoted to a senior position vacant since April.
Tuesday, 4:54 PM | 7 commentsPalo Alto's 'inclusive' playground excluded from reopening plan
The Magical Bridge has stood out as Palo Alto's only playground geared toward visitors of all abilities. But with other playgrounds now reopened, Magical Bridge users find themselves left out.
Tuesday, 3:07 PM | 6 commentsSanta Clara County restaurants, congregations can resume indoor service as COVID-19 cases drop
Restaurants and congregations in Santa Clara County will be able to reopen for indoor service on Wednesday under a revised public health order that loosens many of the restrictions that have been in place since March.
Tuesday, 2:50 PM | 38 commentsMonday, October 12, 2020
Seven East Palo Alto City Council candidates seek to set city on a promising path
Read profiles of the seven East Palo Alto City Council candidates, who not only want to tackle some of their community's more evergreen issues but also help guide the city in flux.
Monday, 11:08 PM | No comments yetLisa Gauthier: Shaping an East Palo Alto for her family
Like her veteran colleagues also seeking reelection, East Palo Alto City Councilwoman Lisa Gauthier is looking to serve another four years to see some development projects through to completion.
Monday, 11:06 PM | No comments yetStewart Hyland: If there's a nonprofit, there's a way
Stewart Hyland doesn't have experience as a sitting city councilman, but his work for the past two decades is deeply tied to one of the main pillars of the East Palo Alto community: its nonprofit organizations.
Monday, 11:06 PM | No comments yetWebster Lincoln: East Palo Alto's homegrown data scientist
Webster Lincoln, 33, has positioned himself as a homegrown data scientist who, if elected, will bring critical thinking and an understanding of the community's spirit to his role on East Palo City Council.
Monday, 11:06 PM | 6 commentsAntonio Lopez: Uplifting the community, starting from the bottom
Coming back to East Palo Alto's Gardens neighborhood from some of the most prestigious universities in the world, Antonio Lopez said he feels obligated to guide his hometown as a city councilman.
Monday, 11:06 PM | 1 commentJuan Mendez: 'A new perspective'
Juan Mendez, a 23-year-old East Palo Alto resident who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley this May, Juan Mendez is the youngest person to be running for a City Council seat this year.
Monday, 11:06 PM | 1 commentLarry Moody: Embracing East Palo Alto as a Silicon Valley city
Larry Moody is seeking a third term on the City Council in order to build out an East Palo Alto that is every bit a Silicon Valley city.
Monday, 11:06 PM | No comments yetCarlos Romero: Longtime activist sees city's potential beyond COVID-19
Carlos Romero, who has a long resume of community service in East Palo Alto that spans almost four decades, hopes to continue his work for the city as councilman if reelected this fall.
Monday, 11:06 PM | No comments yetPalo Alto Unified's youngest students return to school with a new set of norms
About 700 transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade students went back to campus in person on Monday following weeks of heated debate over the pace and safety of reopening schools.
Monday, 5:47 PM | 22 commentsWatch the Ravenswood school board candidates discuss top issues
Get to know the candidates for the Ravenswood City School District Board of Trustees running for two open seats this election season, which comes at a time of transition for the K-8 district.
Monday, 5:11 PM | 6 commentsTwo Stanford University economists win Nobel Prize
A pair of Stanford economists will share the 2020 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Monday.
Monday, 9:53 AM | 2 commentsStudents protest in Palo Alto over vote on proposed county sex assault policy study
A group of high school students on Sunday protested outside the home of a county supervisor over a September decision by the Board of Supervisors to collect more background on a proposed study of sexual assault and harassment policies.
Monday, 9:42 AM | 12 commentsMasseur arrested for sexual assault at therapy center
A man who police say sexually assaulted a woman during a massage appointment at Palo Alto's Spine and Therapy Center last week has been arrested.
Monday, 9:17 AM | No comments yetSunday, October 11, 2020
Vote-by-mail fail: When a ballot arrives that isn't for you
More than 21 million ballots are now in various stages of transit across California. They are in mail trucks and mail boxes. And, predictably, some have ended up in the wrong place.
Sunday, 7:51 AM | 2 comments
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