News

Residents asked to shelter at home through early May
Residents in seven Bay Area jurisdictions have been asked to stay home for all but essential functions for the next month to avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus.
• As coronavirus spreads, Midpeninsula responds: Full local coverage of COVID-19
State leader gives feedback on status of school closures
Given the safety concerns around the coronavirus, it doesn't appear public school students will return to their campuses before the summer begins, according to the state superintendent.
Coronavirus makes its mark across the Peninsula
Use our interactive charts to see how the coronavirus has rapidly grown in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, two of the top three Bay Area counties with the most cases.
A message from our publisher
Serving readers during times of crisis with accurate, timely reporting is one of the most important functions of a news organization.
But amid this shutdown, local newspapers all over the country are closing. We need your help to make sure that doesn't happen here.
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Expand your world — the Palo Alto way
All around us, local arts organizations, community groups, businesses and neighborhoods have been busy trying to keep life and community going, albeit in unique ways.
Public health concerns take a hit on local sports
To prevent potential exposure to the new coronavirus, several Midpeninsula sports leagues have suspended events and competitions.
Short Story Contest deadline pushed to April
How COVID-19 affects communities
Despite the instilled fear of the virus, community members all over Palo Alto offer their services to those who are immunocompromised or high risk.

Message from our publisher: An appeal for your support of good journalism
Just three weeks ago, it was hard to imagine the imminent human and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Yet here we... Last comment 16 hours ago | 27 comments

Can they do that? Construction hums along in Palo Alto
Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit Santa Clara County, some in Palo Alto have questioned the need for the new garage... Last comment 13 hours ago | 33 comments

The high cost of sheltering in place
Though the shelter-in-place order, first implemented by six Bay Area counties and quickly followed by the statewide mandate,... Last comment 8 hours ago | 109 comments

To limit visitors, Palo Alto will close parking lots at nature preserves
Seeking to prevent crowds at popular recreation areas, Palo Alto announced Wednesday that it will close parking lots near... Last comment 13 hours ago | 57 comments

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Peninsula Foodist
by Elena Kadvany
'A devastating impact:' The coronavirus claims Clarke's Charcoal Broiler, Mountain View's oldest operating restaurant
Mar 31, 2020 | 4 comments

A New Shade of Green
by Sherry Listgarten
Can you stay healthy without making more trash?
Mar 29, 2020 | 2 comments

An Alternative View
by Diana Diamond
Think about helping others in our coronavirus-affected area
Mar 29, 2020 | 4 comments

Couple's Net
by Chandrama Anderson
The first few seconds after awakening; before I remember the virus
Mar 27, 2020 | 0 comments

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"'Fog at Sunset'"
Fog rolling in at sunset to greet weekend (Montara Beach, California) Submitted by Nienke Ruinard on Aug 28, 2018

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News

Stay-at-home order extends to May 3, with new business restrictions
With the number of coronavirus cases rising and hospitals bracing for a surge of patients, health officials extended on Tuesday the regional stay-at-home order until May 3. Tuesday, 2:20 PM | 25 comments

State superintendent: Schools likely won't reopen this academic year
In a letter to county superintendents across California on Tuesday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond signaled that public school students won't return to their campuses before the end of the school year. Tuesday, 7:39 PM | 4 comments

Charts reveal how virus has spread at different rates in two counties
Through a series of charts, track how the coronavirus has infected and killed people in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, which have a combined total of nearly 2,000 confirmed cases as of Tuesday. Monday, 6:05 PM | 32 comments

Coronavirus central: Santa Clara County reports 30 people have died from COVID-19
Santa Clara County has reported a total of 890 coronavirus cases, 42 of which were announced on Tuesday. San Mateo County, which has 309 cases saw its death toll rise to 10. Tuesday, 2:40 PM | 205 comments

Judge sends local mom to prison for college admissions scam
An Atherton woman who paid more than $500,000 to help her children get into college through a nationwide admissions scandal was sentenced on Tuesday to seven months in prison, according to prosecutors. Tuesday, 4:21 PM | 3 comments

How city and county rules help out-of-work tenants behind on rent
Santa Clara County and several local cities passed emergency laws temporarily banning evictions last week, all of which are about to be put to the test. Tuesday, 5:09 PM | 3 comments

Moments after armed robbery, witness springs into action by leading police to getaway car
Three people wanted for an armed robbery at a gas station on Sunday night were located by Palo Alto police with the help of a witness, who followed the trio's getaway car to the north side of town. Monday, 9:13 PM | 6 comments