Recent News
Friday, June 5, 2020
Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for end of carotid artery restraint by police
Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his support for ending the use of carotid holds on detainees which is similar to the one used on George Floyd in Minneapolis, during his Friday, June 5, press conference.
Friday, 5:27 PM | No comments yetPUBLIC AGENDA: Discussions on outdoor dining and retail, plus proposed school budget
A preview of Palo Alto government meetings for the week of June 8.
Friday, 1:15 PM | No comments yetGuest Opinion: Palo Alto needs reform now
Our country continues to contend with the horrific killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. As a country and a city, we must face the reality that we have systemic issues that disproportionately affect black people.
Friday, 6:55 AM | 26 commentsBefore second coronavirus wave comes, local doctors work to stock senior care facilities with PPE
Rather than wait around for the government to figure out a way to get personal protective equipment to senior care facilities a coalition of local doctors have launched a program to fill the void.
Friday, 6:55 AM | 1 commentThursday, June 4, 2020
Study: Coronavirus wasn't in Bay Area in 2019
Exactly when the coronavirus first arrived in the Bay Area has been the subject of much speculation, with people who had respiratory illnesses and pneumonia last fall and winter wondering if they had the viral disease.
Thursday, 6:35 PM | 4 commentsSpirit of activism spurs teen to launch Black Lives Matter protest in East Palo Alto
A Black Lives Matter protest on Wednesday in East Palo Alto was a distinctly homegrown effort that started with a 15-year-old girl who used her Instagram account to publicize the event.
Thursday, 5:50 PM | 5 commentsCounty supervisors pour $5M into COVID-19 financial relief program
A nonprofit-led effort to help the households hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic in Santa Clara County got a shot in the arm Tuesday, with county supervisors voting to inject $5 million into the program.
Thursday, 1:38 PM | No comments yetSanta Clara County's COVID-19 testing continues to lag
County public health managers have gained significant ground in controlling the coronavirus among vulnerable groups and the public, but they still struggle to meet their goal of 4,000 tests per day.
Thursday, 1:08 PM | 11 commentsFacing backlash over civil rights, Palo Alto ends curfew
Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada on Thursday lifted the curfew that the city imposed on Tuesday, which banned residents from being in public spaces after 8:30 p.m. and which the city had planned to keep in place until June 11.
Thursday, 11:15 AM | 64 commentsSaluting the class of 2020: A collection of stories, photos
While local high school graduates won't be participating in traditional commencement ceremonies this year, celebrations are still taking place to mark the milestone, which we've captured through stories and photos.
Thursday, 10:33 AM | No comments yetFinding their voices: Six seniors on their high school passions, dreams
We interviewed six graduating seniors from Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, whose varied accomplishments are well worth celebrating, now more than ever.
Thursday, 9:13 AM | 2 commentsThe countdown to graduation
From learning from at home on Zoom to skateboarding solo down suburban streets, three high school seniors share a glimpse of what their last month of school looked like.
Thursday, 9:12 AM | 1 commentWednesday, June 3, 2020
Palo Alto's seniors celebrate an unconventional graduation from their cars, but not without joy
On the night that would have been the class of 2020's formal graduation, Palo Alto's sidewalks and street corners were full of people cheering and waving as seniors and their families drove in an ebullient car parade around the city.
Wednesday, 9:38 PM | 28 commentsAn 'overreach'? Palo Alto's curfew sparks concerns over civil liberties
City Manager Ed Shikada's sudden decision on Tuesday to impose a curfew in Palo Alto until June 11 is facing a backlash from residents and civil rights advocates.
Wednesday, 4:59 PM | 65 commentsFearing a 'resurgence' of infections, Stanford plans to limit students on campus with mostly online classes this fall
Travel restrictions and half of all undergraduates on campus at a time: A Stanford education will look vastly different this fall.
Wednesday, 3:28 PM | 7 commentsWarned of potential looters, some Midpeninsula stores board windows to protect their property
With the Midpeninsula already stirred up in recent days over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, some local shops took precautions Tuesday as warnings spread of organized looting rings.
Wednesday, 9:53 AM | 9 commentsCity may freeze 'percent-for-art' program to redirect funds elsewhere
Citing budget challenges, Palo Alto is preparing to shelve a long-standing policy that requires city projects to include public art components such as sculptures, murals and digital displays.
Wednesday, 9:04 AM | 25 commentsTuesday, June 2, 2020
Palo Alto under 10-day curfew starting tonight
Citing reports of potential criminal activity stemming from recent protests, Palo Alto plans to institute a curfew tonight and to keep it in place through next Thursday.
Tuesday, 3:35 PM | No comments yetUpdate: After ordering 10-day curfew in Palo Alto, city manager lifts order
Citing reports of criminal activity planned for local commercial districts, Palo Alto instituted a curfew that began Tuesday night and plans to keep it in place until June 11.
Tuesday, 3:30 PM | 211 commentsHot weather returns to the Bay Area
From 1-6 p.m. on Wednesday, a cooling center will be open at Mitchell Park Community Center as above-average temperatures are in the forecast in Palo Alto and throughout the region.
Tuesday, 11:18 AM | No comments yetDespite calls to think smaller, Newell Road Bridge replacement plan wins final approval
A regional effort to replace and expand the narrow Newell Road Bridge between Palo Alto and East Palo Alto reached a crucial milestone on Monday night, when the City Council gave the project its final clearance.
Tuesday, 9:48 AM | 21 commentsGeorge Floyd and 'the moral arc of the universe': insight from MLK's official historian
Stanford historian Clayborne Carson offers some much-needed clarity and historical perspective surrounding recent protests throughout the U.S. over the killing of George Floyd.
Tuesday, 9:04 AM | 2 commentsPalo Alto leaders condemn police brutality, vow to protect demonstrators
Hours after staged local protests on Monday over the killing of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, city leaders expressed support for those fighting for racial equality.
Tuesday, 12:15 AM | 25 commentsMonday, June 1, 2020
New county order allows outdoor dining, in-store retail starting Friday
Churches, retailers and restaurants that offer outdoor dining will be allowed to start welcoming back customers on June 5 under a revised stay-at-home order that Santa Clara County issued Monday.
Monday, 5:01 PM | 19 commentsProtesters block highway, set off fireworks to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter
Hundreds of protesters marched through Menlo Park, Palo Alto and East Palo Alto on Monday to protest police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was killed while in Minneapolis police custody last week.
Monday, 3:13 PM | 81 commentsMenlo Park police arrest alleged looters en route to Stanford Shopping Center
Menlo Park police officers on the lookout for looters Sunday night arrested two men who were allegedly headed to Stanford Shopping Center while in possession of a stolen cash register and clothing.
Monday, 9:51 AM | 26 commentsSunday, May 31, 2020
Parents: Fill out county survey on 2020-21 school year plans
The Santa Clara County Office of Education is asking for parents of students in the county to fill out a survey that they said will help assist in plans for the 2020-21 school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sunday, 8:23 AM | 10 commentsHow lottery money for disks and video tapes could help California's community colleges
State community colleges may be more than $1 billion dollars poorer next year, but $81 million that could save some classes from being cut are locked up in antiquated legal language, preventing colleges from tapping into needed funds.
Sunday, 8:10 AM | No comments yetSaturday, May 30, 2020
Update: Peninsula Target stores removed from temporary closure list
Target has temporarily closed stores throughout the country following looting at some of its stores nationwide during protests this week in response to the death of George Floyd.
Saturday, 10:44 PM | 10 commentsUniversity, California avenues could close to traffic as soon as June 4, providing relief to restaurants
University and California avenues could be closed to traffic four days a week starting as soon as Thursday, allowing restaurants to use the streets to serve diners once permitted by the county.
Saturday, 5:18 PM | 47 commentsLocal bans on residential evictions extended into August
Cities and counties throughout California are racing to extend emergency rules prohibiting landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday, 9:25 AM | 2 commentsAround Town: Feeding the front line with hundreds of meals; Students benefit from anonymous gift of books
In the latest Around Town column, news about a fundraiser that has resulted in hundreds of meals for hospital workers, an anonymous donation of new books handed out to local students and Rise Together Education's new leader.
Saturday, 9:04 AM | 1 commentCoronavirus weekend update: San Mateo County allows places of worship, in-store retail to reopen
A new San Mateo County Health order allows for the reopening of places of worship and in-store retail shopping effective June 1.
Saturday, 9:02 AM | 4 commentsFriday, May 29, 2020
Palo Alto public, private high schools team up for car parade graduation
While graduating high school seniors can't walk across the stage to receive their diplomas surrounded by friends and family this year, they will be able to celebrate via a car parade this Wednesday.
Friday, 8:19 PM | 20 commentsTo protect new recruits, Palo Alto looks to offer retirement incentives to public safety veterans
Palo Alto is preparing to incentivize Police and Fire department veterans with $30,000 payments if they are willing to accept an early retirement -- a move that city leaders hope will obviate layoffs.
Friday, 4:38 PM | 3 commentsPUBLIC AGENDA: Newell Road Bridge replacement project; parks commission priorities
A preview of Palo Alto government meetings for the week of June 1.
Friday, 10:24 AM | No comments yetCurbside pickup — a step forward, but far from a lifeline for businesses
While store owners eagerly wait for the all-clear to reopen for in-store shopping, so too, apparently, do customers. Some have gotten so used to at-home delivery options that the offer of curbside pickup is not all that enticing.
Friday, 6:51 AM | 4 commentsIn a pandemic, local wildland firefighters face new challenges
Fire. Drought. Pestilence. It's a recipe for a big-screen apocalyptic movie. For California, it's also a scenario that could become all too real in the coming months in the first summer of COVID-19.
Friday, 6:50 AM | 1 commentPlexiglas shields and temperature screenings. Workspace changes won't look too radical, but they may feel invasive.
Now more than ever before, employers must think in granular detail about how workers interact within the workplace and how they can be protected -- from the objects they touch to the meeting rooms.
Friday, 6:50 AM | 3 commentsGuest Opinion: The 'unmasking' of Palo Alto
Please, reluctant face coverers, spare us the dissecting table (and the autopsy table) and wear the damn mask. It's not that hard, and refusing to do so is anti-social, irresponsible and unethical.
Friday, 6:49 AM | 69 commentsThursday, May 28, 2020
Lydia Kou seeks fresh term on Palo Alto City Council
City Councilwoman Lydia Kou, who has established herself as one of Palo Alto's most strident opponents of dense developments and Sacramento housing mandates, plans to pursue a new term.
Thursday, 1:20 PM | 74 commentsFacing a shaky financial future, Stanford projects budget cuts, layoffs
Stanford University, projecting a $267 million loss from the first six months of the coronavirus shutdown, is planning for program reductions and layoffs in the next fiscal year.
Thursday, 9:17 AM | 15 commentsNew deal may force nonprofit groups out of Cubberley
The Palo Alto school district plans to evict tenants from Cubberley Community Center once its existing arrangement with the city ends next month.
Thursday, 9:01 AM | 55 commentsWednesday, May 27, 2020
Interactive: A by-the-numbers look at the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on daily life
To show how the pandemic has impacted daily life, the Palo Alto Weekly has woven together local, regional and national numbers into a series of interactive infographics.
Wednesday, 9:50 AM | 7 commentsTuesday, May 26, 2020
Palo Alto prepares to cut more than 70 positions as revenues plummet
Facing a public outcry about proposals to cut funding for art and teen programs, the City Council moved Tuesday to restore some funding while cutting dozens of City Hall jobs.
Tuesday, 11:37 PM | 36 commentsSchool board to discuss reopening plan, budget cuts
The Palo Alto school board will discuss on Tuesday a detailed plan for reopening schools this fall, including proposed bell schedules and intensified precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Tuesday, 9:39 AM | 69 commentsMonday, May 25, 2020
State reopens places of worship, retail — but hair salons still off limits
Places of worship and retailers can now reopen statewide, with limitations, the California Department of Public Health announced Monday. However, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties' orders do not allow these reopenings locally.
Monday, 5:35 PM | 34 commentsHeat wave to last through Thursday
A heat wave is expected to linger in the Bay Area through Thursday, with the possibility of record-setting temperatures, forecasters said.
Monday, 1:37 PM | 5 commentsNew Bay Area Community Resources website launches
A group of Stanford students and faculty volunteers has launched a new website where Bay Area residents can find a broad variety of critical resources.
Monday, 1:14 PM | No comments yetSupervisors propose public dashboard tracking county's COVID-19 costs
Two Santa Clara County supervisors have announced a proposal to create a public dashboard tracking the county's costs accrued during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Monday, 8:48 AM | No comments yetSunday, May 24, 2020
Arastradero Open Space Preserve parking lot reopens
The Arastradero Open Space Preserve in Palo Alto has reopened to vehicle access and parking. Physical distancing rules are still in place and face coverings are "strongly" urged.
Sunday, 8:55 AM | 4 commentsStanford students connect public to free student lunches via texting service
A group of Stanford University students has developed a text service to help parents identify nearby locations to find free grab-and-go meals for their children.
Sunday, 7:40 AM | 1 commentSaturday, May 23, 2020
Coronavirus weekend update: Santa Clara County adds new test sites
Here's the latest news over the Memorial Day holiday weekend about the Midpeninsula's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday, 9:20 AM | No comments yetCounty's new coronavirus mobile testing van coming to Mountain View on Monday
Santa Clara County is launching a mobile health van offering easy-to-access testing for residents worried they may have contracted the coronavirus. Its first stop? A visit to Mountain View on Memorial Day.
Saturday, 9:09 AM | No comments yetAround Town: Club keeps going with Memorial Day tradition; woman plans social distance parade for mother's birthday
In the latest Around Town column, stories about the Palo Alto University Rotary Club moving forward with its annual Memorial Day ritual and a surprise birthday celebration for a longtime resident who's turning 90 years old on Sunday.
Saturday, 8:54 AM | 1 comment
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Black Lives Matter: on the topic of protesting and looting
By Jessica Zang | 23 comments | 8,917 views
'All of us can do something.' Local black restaurant owners react to George Floyd protests
By Elena Kadvany | 13 comments | 6,147 views
Power Lines, Pipelines, and the Limits of Eminent Domain
By Sherry Listgarten | 23 comments | 4,609 views
Such delightful city employee perks
By Diana Diamond | 40 comments | 3,631 views
Premarital and Couples: Are you Kinder to Strangers than to Your Partner?
By Chandrama Anderson | 0 comments | 2,614 views
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