Behind the Headlines
2018
Year in Review
Recapping the top stories in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto from 2018
Palo Alto Weekly journalists close out the year by recapping the biggest events, controversies, surprises and newsmakers of 2018.
December 28, 2018 |
No comments yet
Rail redesign update; President Hotel zoningPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the latest on the redesign of the city's four rail crossings and recap the City Council's decision Monday on zoning for the President Hotel.
December 14, 2018 | No comments yet
Update on Stanford's expansion proposal
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to vote on growth plan next year
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian discusses the negotiation process with Stanford University over its proposed expansion of the campus.
December 7, 2018 |
No comments yet
Secret dealings over President HotelWeekly journalists explain how developer AJ Capital has been lobbying the city to change zoning laws and using the tenants of President Hotel Apartments in downtown Palo Alto.
November 30, 2018 | No comments yet
Treating postpartum mood disordersPsychiatrist Nirmaljit Dhami, medical director of El Camino Hospital's Maternal Outreach Mood Services program, discusses the signs, symptoms and treatment for postpartum mood disorders, which affect one in five mothers after childbirth.
November 16, 2018 | No comments yet
Analyzing the election
A roundup of how voters responded to candidates, measures on the ballot
Palo Alto Weekly journalists analyze the results so far in the general election, including the clear winners, the race outcome that's still pending and the significance of local voters' choices.
November 9, 2018 |
No comments yet
Challenges of caregiving
Paula Wolfson of Avenidas Care Partners gives insight into caring for relatives
Paula Wolfson, manager of Avenidas Care Partners, discusses the rising numbers of family caregivers in Palo Alto and the many services available to help families navigate caring for a relative.
November 2, 2018 |
No comments yet
Palo Alto's traffic challenges
Assistant City Manager Ed Shikada shares the city's plans for improving transportation
Palo Alto Assistant City Manager Ed Shikada discusses challenges facing the city when it comes to traffic and Palo Alto's plans for improving transportation for residents and commuters.
October 26, 2018 |
4 comments
East Palo Alto Election 2018
Residents to elect new council council members, vote on new tax
Weekly journalists discuss the East Palo Alto City Council race and the city's Measure HH commercial business tax, which could bring funding for building new housing and job training.
October 19, 2018 |
No comments yet
Palo Alto City Council race
Three incumbents, two newcomers seek three open seats
Weekly journalists preview the City Council election with a discussion about Palo Alto's five candidates and their stances on some of the city's most urgent issues.
October 12, 2018 |
No comments yet
Palo Alto school board race
A look at the incumbent, five newcomers seeking two open seats
The 2018 Palo Alto school board race involving six candidates is the subject of this week's "Behind the Headlines" discussion with Weekly journalists.
October 5, 2018 |
1 comment
Meet the Palo Alto City Council candidates
Candidates talk about their lives in one-on-one interviews
Five Palo Alto residents are running for three seats on the Palo Alto City Council this fall. This week's "Behind the Headlines" features one-on-one videos with each candidate.
September 28, 2018 |
2 comments
Palo Alto's housing plansWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's response to a recent Santa Clara County Grand Jury report, which urged cities to do more to address the regional housing crisis.
September 21, 2018 | No comments yet
Election measures E and FWeekly journalists delve into Palo Alto's Measure E, which would raise the city's hotel-tax rate, and Measure F, which would cap how much health care providers can charge patients.
September 14, 2018 | No comments yet
A talk with new Superintendent Don AustinDon Austin, who started work in July as superintendent of Palo Alto Unified School District, talks about a range of issues including Title IX, special education, overcoming division in the district and transparent governance.
September 7, 2018 | 5 comments
A preview of fall artsArts researcher Sheryl Nonnenberg and Jon Graves, executive director of the Pacific Art League, talk about what's happening in the Midpeninsula arts scene this fall.
August 31, 2018 | No comments yet
Parenting in the digital ageEmily Garrison of the Palo Alto school district talks about how the district is helping children, parents and teachers navigate the pitfalls of technology use.
August 24, 2018 | No comments yet
Palo Alto's animal shelter plans; East Palo Alto's Taser debateWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's effort to upgrade its animal shelter and East Palo Alto's community debate over whether to equip police officers with Tasers.
August 17, 2018 | No comments yet
Stanford's proposed expansionWeekly journalists discuss Stanford University's proposed campus expansion and the evolving debate over how much housing the university should provide as part of the growth plan.
August 10, 2018 | No comments yet
Planning commission; New office capWeekly journalists discuss the recent tensions and conflicts on the city's planning commission and the City Council's recent decision to reduce the citywide cap for new office development.
August 3, 2018 | No comments yet
A vibrant life with ALSJon Ferraiolo and Karen Kang have vibrant lives despite Ferraiolo's terminal diagnosis and paralysis from ALS, as seen in a 15-minute documentary by Weekly Photographer/Videographer Veronica Weber.
July 27, 2018 | No comments yet
Helping the Homeless RV DwellersPastor Paul Bains, executive director of Project WeHOPE, discusses a new pilot program that will allow RV dwellers to temporarily park on government land and receive support services in East Palo Alto.
July 20, 2018 | No comments yet
Grand jury's housing reportHenry Groth, a member of the 2017-2018 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury discusses with Weekly journalists a recent report from the civil grand jury about the region's affordable-housing crisis.
July 13, 2018 | No comments yet
College Terrace Centre; Grand jury's housing reportPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the recent sale of the College Terrace Centre and delve into a new report from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury that calls on cities to do more to address the regional housing crisis.
July 6, 2018 | 1 comment
Stanford Memorial Church murderPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the latest developments in the grisly 1974 murder of Arlis Perry at Stanford Memorial Church.
June 29, 2018 | No comments yet
Bad Blood: Book exposes Theranos' alleged fraudWeekly journalists discuss a new book that unveils the alleged fraud by Theranos' former CEO Elizabeth Holmes and former COO Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, who now face federal charges.
June 22, 2018 | 4 comments
President HotelWeekly staff discuss the implications of this week's purchase of the historic President Hotel from a 75-unit apartment building to a 100-unit hotel.
June 16, 2018 | No comments yet
Peninsula Photo ContestPalo Alto Art Center Director Karen Kienzle discusses the Peninsula Photo Contest with Weekly Associate Editor Linda Taaffe and staff photographer Veronica Weber.
June 8, 2018 | No comments yet
Students speak out 2018
A discussion with the incoming and outgoing Paly, Gunn student board representatives
High school students Advait Arun, Richy Islas, Arjun Prabhaker and Caroline Furrier discuss issues impacting students in Palo Alto with education reporter Elena Kadvany.
June 1, 2018 |
No comments yet
Palo Alto's financial outlookPalo Alto City Councilwoman Lydia Kou discusses the proposed 2019 city budget with Palo Alto Weekly city-beat reporter Gennady Sheyner and Editor Jocelyn Dong.
May 25, 2018 | 1 comment
Regional Measure 3Weekly journalists discuss a measure on the June 5 ballot that would raise bridge tolls to fund $4.5 billion in transportation improvements.
May 18, 2018 | 6 comments
Palo Alto's superintendent pickPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the career of Don Austin, Palo Alto Unified's pick for superintendent, and his proposed contract with Palo Alto Unified.
May 11, 2018 | No comments yet
Walter Hays traffic; new bell scheduleWeekly journalists discuss the recent changes at the intersection of Middlefield and Embarcadero roads which parents say has created dangerous road crossings, and the approval of a new schedule at Paly, which will allow students to start school at a later time.
May 4, 2018 | 3 comments
Female chefs, owners on the MidpeninsulaJesse Ziff Cool, the owner of the 37-year-old Flea St. Café in Menlo Park, discusses the evolution of the Peninsula dining scene and challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.
April 27, 2018 | No comments yet
Debate over rail redesign
Residents speak up as city narrows down grade-separation options
David Shen, member of the newly formed North Old Palo Alto neighborhood group, discusses concerns about the city's rail redesign and its efforts to protect properties from eminent domain.
April 20, 2018 |
59 comments
Zoning for churchesPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the Palo Alto neighborhood dispute over a church that rents its space out to music groups, counselors and others.
April 13, 2018 | No comments yet
Working toward LGBTQ & gender equity
Human Relations Commissioner Jill O'Nan shares findings from recent listening forum
Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioner Jill O'Nan discusses a recent listening forum and launch of a needs-assessment survey aimed at serving the LGBTQ community.
April 6, 2018 |
No comments yet
50 years after MLK Jr.'s deathClayborne Carson, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute and the King Papers Project at Stanford, reflects on King's legacy and upcoming commemorations in East Palo Alto and at Stanford.
March 30, 2018 | No comments yet
Increasing affordable housingFran Wagstaff, retired president of MidPen Housing, joins Weekly journalists to discuss the challenges of building affordable housing in Palo Alto.
March 23, 2018 | 9 comments
Concern over 'Cool Block' program fundsPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the proposed $100,000 Cool Block community-building program, which is stirring controversy.
March 11, 2018 | No comments yet
Paly principal resignsWeekly journalists discuss the resignation of Palo Alto High School Principal Kim Diorio announced Friday.
March 9, 2018 | No comments yet
Changing labor negotiationsPalo Alto Vice Mayor Eric Filseth joins Weekly journalists to discuss a new proposal to make labor negotiations more transparent.
March 2, 2018 | No comments yet
Renaming schools; redesigning railWeekly journalists provide updates on efforts to rename two Palo Alto middle schools and to separate the rail corridor from local streets.
February 23, 2018 | 3 comments
Working to address airplane noisePalo Alto Deputy City Manager Michelle Poché Flaherty discusses the topic of worsening airplane noise -- and Palo Alto's response to the problem -- with Weekly journalists.
February 16, 2018 | 4 comments
State of the ValleyWeekly journalists dig into a new report on Silicon Valley's trends and challenges and discuss Palo Alto's recent actions to address its housing and transportation problems.
February 9, 2018 | 1 comment
Palo Alto's construction boomPalo Alto Assistant Public Works Director Brad Eggleston joins Weekly journalists to delve into the city's infrastructure plans.
February 2, 2018 | 1 comment
Ravenswood's budget crisisThe drivers behind a multi-million dollar budget shortfall in the Ravenswood City School District are analyzed by Palo Alto Weekly journalists.
January 26, 2018 | 4 comments
Invasion of the stinkwortEcologist Claire Elliott talks about stinkwort, a seemingly innocuous plant that is poised to take over local grasslands and open spaces, with Palo Alto Weekly journalists.
January 19, 2018 | No comments yet
Palo Alto: The Year AheadWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's recent mayoral election and the City Council's top priorities for the year ahead.
January 12, 2018 | 2 comments
The Year in FilmMovie reviewer Peter Canavese talks about the good, the bad and the horrible - and other trends that emerged on the big screen in 2017.
January 5, 2018 | No comments yet2017
Year in ReviewWeekly journalists discuss the year's biggest news from Palo Alto City Hall, school district and community.
December 29, 2017 | No comments yet
Home schooling in Palo Alto"Behind the Headlines" guest Robin Bayer, a Palo Alto resident whose children are home-schooled, joins Palo Alto Weekly journalists to discuss the experience of at-home education.
December 15, 2017 | 1 comment
Ross Road Bicycle BoulevardChris Corrao, a city of Palo Alto senior transportation planner, explains the reasons behind street modifications on Ross Road and various methods to improve traffic and bicycle safety.
December 8, 2017 | 37 comments
Stanford's planned expansionStanford's proposal to build more than 2.275 million square feet of academic space, 3,150 housing units and 40,000 square feet of child care facilities by 2035, and the community's concerns about it, is the subject of this week's "Behind the Headlines."
December 1, 2017 | No comments yet
Wrestling with the problem of RVsEviction of RVs from an East Palo Alto street due to public health concerns sparked a protest; meanwhile, city leaders grappled with how to regulate RV dwellers while also helping them.
November 17, 2017 | 3 comments
New vision for Ventura, housing proposalsWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's proposal to craft a new vision for the north Ventura neighborhood, as well as the City Council's new effort to encourage more housing construction near jobs and transit.
November 10, 2017 | No comments yet
Serving Palo Alto seniorsAmy Andonian, president and CEO of Avenidas, talks about preparing for the wave of baby boomers who will retire in the coming decades and the latest news from the nonprofit.
November 3, 2017 | No comments yet
Palo Alto Unified interim superintendentOn this week's Behind the Headlines, the Palo Alto school district's new interim superintendent, Karen Hendricks, joins Weekly Publisher Bill Johnson and education writer Elena Kadvany for a discussion.
October 27, 2017 | No comments yet
Locals share fire-relief storiesHear stories of aid to victims of the North Bay fires from Palo Alto Animal Services Officer Ken Cunningham, Almanac staff writer and American Red Cross volunteer Barbara Wood and Margaret Winters of Atherton.
October 20, 2017 | No comments yet
PODCAST: Palo Alto's pension problem
On 'Behind the Headlines,' City Councilman Eric Filseth estimates the city owes current and future retirees $1 billion
October 13, 2017 |
No comments yet
On 'Behind the Headlines,' City Councilman Eric Filseth estimates the city owes current and future retirees $1 billion
Palo Alto is facing a pension and retiree medical liability that City Councilman Eric Filseth says approaches $1 billion. How is the city going to pay for it?
October 13, 2017 |
No comments yet
Planning for housingEric Rosenblum, member of Palo Alto's Planning and Transportation Commission, joins Weekly journalists to discuss the city's affordable-housing crisis and the Comprehensive Plan update.
September 30, 2017 | 1 comment
Paly sex-assault reportWeekly Publisher Bill Johnson, Editor Jocelyn Dong and education reporter Elena Kadvany discuss the significance of and reaction to a report on the school district's response to a student sex-assault case in 2016.
September 23, 2017 | No comments yet
Changing retailPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss what cities, shopping malls and businesses are doing to reinvent retail and attract customers in the age of e-commerce.
September 15, 2017 | No comments yet
Redesigning railFormer Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt joins Weekly Editor journalists to discuss the city's latest plans for separating railroad tracks from local streets.
September 8, 2017 | 1 comment
School district's $6 million blunderWeekly Publisher Bill Johnson, Editor Jocelyn Dong and education writer Elena Kadvany discuss the school district's failure to reopen contract negotiations this spring, costing the district $6 million in unbudgeted raises and bonuses.
September 1, 2017 | No comments yet
New vision for the Animal ShelterWeekly journalists talk about Palo Alto's new agreement with the nonprofit Pets in Need and what it means for the future of the city's popular animal shelter.
August 25, 2017 | No comments yet
Sexual misconduct at schoolsWeekly journalists discuss new developments in the federal investigation into how Palo Alto Unified responded to cases of sexual misconduct, as well as a new survey that indicates that most instances of sexual harassment at the high schools go unreported.
August 25, 2017 | No comments yet
Local theater sceneArts & Entertainment Editor Karla Kane discusses the local theater scene with Theater Critic Jeanie Smith and Pear Theatre Artistic Director Betsy Kruse Craig, including which shows are coming up in the next few months.
August 11, 2017 | No comments yet
New vision for wasteWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's latest plans for managing waste and the city's gradual shift away from the type of waste-to-energy plant that Palo Alto residents lobbied for when they approved Measure E in 2011.
August 4, 2017 | No comments yet
Self-driving carsStephen Zoepf, executive director of the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford, joins Weekly journalists Jocelyn Dong and Elena Kadvany for a discussion of the fast-moving changes in the auto industry.
July 28, 2017 | No comments yet
Inside code enforcementWeekly journalists Gennady Sheyner, Anna Medina and Linda Taaffe break down how code enforcement works in Palo Alto and discuss what the city is doing to strengthen it.
July 21, 2017 | No comments yet
'Way Cool' open-space events for summerListen in on a discussion about the abundance of different and fun ranger- and docent-led activities in local open space areas from fishing with rangers to boating, twilight hikes and moth and spider hunts.
July 14, 2017 | No comments yet
Preserving La ComidaCity Council Members Tom DuBois and Lydia Kou join Weekly journalists Linda Taaffe and Gennady Sheyner to discuss La Comida's difficult quest to find a new home for its popular senior-nutrition program.
July 7, 2017 | No comments yet
Junior Museum and Zoo expansionWeekly journalists Jocelyn Dong and Gennady Sheyner visit the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, where they discuss the zoo's planned expansion with Executive Director John Aikin.
June 30, 2017 | 3 comments
The future of parking; cracking down on RVs
Two webcasts cover paid parking, illegal parking
Palo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the city's preparations to overhaul parking rules in downtown and California Avenue in addition to increasing enforcement of RVs along El Camino Real near Stanford.
June 23, 2017 |
No comments yet
Tracking surveillancePalo Alto City Councilman Cory Wolbach joins Palo Alto Weekly journalists Jocelyn Dong and Gennady Sheyner in discussing the city's effort to balance privacy with surveillance technology.
June 16, 2017 | No comments yet
Debate over Castilleja expansionOn this week's "Behind the Headlines," Palo Alto Weekly journalists discuss Castilleja School's proposal to redevelop its campus that has divided the surrounding neighborhood.
June 9, 2017 | No comments yet
Students speak outFour high school student representatives to the Palo Alto Unified Board of Education talk about the recent issues facing the schools and the changes they would like to see happen in the school district.
June 2, 2017 | No comments yet
Summer movies previewOn this week's Behind the Headlines, movie critic Peter Canavese joins the Weekly's Gennady Sheyner and Anna Medina for a discussion about this summer's coming attractions.
May 26, 2017 | No comments yet
District investigates sexual assault; Saving Buena VistaThe Weekly's reporters delve into the Palo Alto school district's response to multiple sexual-assault accusations against a student and discuss the $40.4 million deal that will preserve Buena Vista Mobile Home Park.
May 19, 2017 | No comments yet
Palo Alto History MuseumThis week's Behind The Headlines examines the planned Palo Alto History Museum that has been in development since 2000, and renovation of its future home is poised to begin soon.
May 12, 2017 | No comments yet
Building a bike-friendly cityRobert Neff, chair of the Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, joins us to discuss the city's push to make local streets more bicycle-friendly.
May 5, 2017 | 7 comments
Housing the homeless; Big East Palo Alto developmentsA look back at the 10 years that the Opportunity Center has provided housing and services to homeless persons. The discussion then pivots to East Palo Alto's future development.
April 28, 2017 | No comments yet
Rep. Anna EshooOn this week's "Behind the Headlines," Rep. Anna Eshoo joins Palo Alto Weekly Publisher Bill Johnson, Editor Jocelyn Dong and Staff Writer Sue Dremann to discuss issues within and beyond Palo Alto.
April 21, 2017 | 10 comments
Sex ed controversyOn Behind the Headlines this week, Palo Alto Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong and reporters Elena Kadvany and Sue Dremann discuss parents' concerns over a new sex-education program at Palo Alto's three middle schools.
April 14, 2017 | No comments yet
A new vision for parksOn Behind The Headlines, we sat down with two officials from the Community Services Department on Palo Alto's new vision for parks.
April 2, 2017 | No comments yet
City Hall roundupThis week's episode looks at the latest news from City Hall, including the conclusion of the FPPC's investigation into Councilman Adrian Fine, the City Council's new direction on the Comprehensive Plan and the new Residential Preferential Parking program in Evergreen Park.
March 24, 2017 | No comments yet
FPPC investigations; bounty hunters in East Palo AltoOn this week's "Behind the Headlines," reporters Sue Dremann, Elena Kadvany and Gennady Sheyner join Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong for a discussion on the FPPC's investigations into the campaigns of two Palo Alto council members and an East Palo Alto family's jarring experience with bounty hunters.
March 17, 2017 | No comments yet
Restaurants under pressureHoward Bulka, owner of Howie's Artisan Pizza in Palo Alto, joins Palo Alto Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong and reporter Elena Kadvany to talk about what's driving a local labor shortage and the other economic challenges impacting Midpeninsula restaurants.
March 10, 2017 | No comments yet
Inside social-emotional educationGunn High School Principal Denise Herrmann joins Palo Alto Weekly journalists Jocelyn Dong and Elena Kadvany to discuss the Palo Alto Unified School District's proposed framework for boosting students' social-emotional skills.
March 3, 2017 | 8 comments
Diversity's championsGreer Stone, chair of Palo Alto's Human Relations Commission, joins reporters Sue Dremann and Gennady Sheyner on "Behind the Headlines" to discuss the commission's renewed efforts to encourage tolerance and diversity in the community.
February 24, 2017 | No comments yet
Breaking down the budget gapOn this week's "Behind the Headlines," Board of Education member Todd Collins joins Palo Alto Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong and education reporter Elena Kadvany to discuss the school district's response to an ongoing budget shortfall.
February 17, 2017 | No comments yet
The new City Council; school technology and privacyOn "Behind the Headlines," Palo Alto Weekly journalists Jocelyn Dong, Gennady Sheyner and Elena Kadvany discuss the state of the new City Council and also concerns among Palo Alto students over privacy and technology.
February 10, 2017 | No comments yet
Land-use plan uproar
Councilman expands on his support to add programs in the document that fell short by a 5-4 vote at Monday's meeting
On "Behind the Headlines," Palo Alto Councilman Tom DuBois joins journalists Jocelyn Dong and Gennady Sheyner to discuss the City Council's divisive debate over the Comprehensive Plan.
February 3, 2017 |
2 comments
Palo Alto Mayor Greg Scharff
A look ahead at the City Council's goals, priorities this coming year
"Behind the Headlines" discusses the City Council's goals and priorities for the coming year. Publisher Bill Johnson, Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong and Reporter Gennady Sheyner are joined by Mayor Greg Scharff.
January 27, 2017 |
No comments yet
Seeking sanctuary from domestic violence
Ruth Patrick of WomenSV joins Weekly journalists for a discussion
"Behind the Headlines" discusses the challenges domestic-violence victims face when finding shelter in Santa Clara County. Weekly journalists Jocelyn Dong and Sue Dremann are joined by Ruth Patrick of WomenSV.
January 20, 2017 |
No comments yet
Immigration Forum; City Hall roundup
Palo Alto University Chief Financial Officer June Klein joins Editor Jocelyn Dong and reporters Sue Dremann and Elena Kadvany for the discussion
"Behind the Headlines" discusses an upcoming public forum aimed informing immigrants of their rights and resources ahead of anticipated federal policy changes. Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong and reporters Sue Dremann and Elena Kadvany are joined by June Klein, chief financial officer at Palo Alto University.
January 16, 2017 |
No comments yet
Office for Civil Rights agreement
Ken Dauber joins Weekly journalists Elena Kadvany and Jocelyn Dong for the discussion
"Behind the Headlines" looks at steps proposed by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for bringing the Palo Alto school district into compliance with federal law. Weekly journalists Elena Kadvany and Jocelyn Dong are joined by Ken Dauber, vice president of the Board of Education.
January 13, 2017 |
3 comments
Stay informed.
Get the day's top headlines from Palo Alto Online sent to your inbox in the Express newsletter.
New Palo Alto sushi spot highlights late-night hours and affordable prices
By The Peninsula Foodist | 1 comment | 9,915 views
Who Gets the Money? Farm Bill (part 6)
By Laura Stec | 5 comments | 2,194 views
Sharing That Just Works
By Sherry Listgarten | 5 comments | 1,824 views
Robots, I am tired of talking to you!
By Diana Diamond | 1 comment | 438 views
