Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the downtown Redwood City improvement plans, a new fire station, the new Los Altos mayor, new restaurants coming to Palo Alto, and events around town!

Let’s dive in! 👇

🏢 Neighbors Challenge Over Proposed Tall Building on El Camino Real

In Los Altos, local neighbors have filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s approval of an 85-unit, eight-story apartment building planned for 4898 El Camino Real. Plaintiffs say the city didn’t properly study environmental and traffic impacts as required under state law and worry the project could worsen congestion and parking issues near homes and schools. The developer notes plans to add sidewalks and includes a 95-space automated parking garage, while city officials say state density laws made the project exempt from several requirements. An appeal is set for the City Council later this month. Read more here.

⛲️ Redwood City Council Advances Downtown Vision Plan

Redwood City’s Council held a big study session on the Greater Downtown Area Plan, a comprehensive blueprint to shape future growth and revitalization. The vision prioritizes walkability, climate resilience, and mixed-use spaces, with ideas like expanding green spaces, improving transit connections and focusing new housing near transit hubs. Officials emphasized making downtown more inclusive and pedestrian-friendly, and residents weighed in with ideas for parks and family-oriented amenities. While no final decisions were made yet, the council supports continuing engagement with the community as the plan develops. Read more here.

👩🏽‍⚖️ Los Altos Swears In New Mayor and Vice Mayor

The Los Altos City Council kicked off 2026 with a ceremonial meeting where council members swore in Sally Meadows as the new Mayor and Larry Lang as the Vice Mayor for the year, marking a fresh chapter for local leadership. Meadows and Lang take on these roles as part of the council’s annual rotation, where members support one another in guiding city priorities and representing Los Altos at official events. Both bring experience from their time serving on the council and a commitment to ongoing community engagement. The ceremony reflected gratitude for outgoing leadership while looking ahead to a year focused on city goals and collaboration. Read more here.

🚒 New Fire Station for Palo Alto Underway 

The City of Palo Alto just broke ground on Fire Station Number 4, located at 3600 Middlefield Road. The facility will replace the old 1953 structure in the same location. The $18.2 million station will feature two drive-through apparatus bays, a standby apparatus bay for an ambulance and reserve engine, and modernized living quarters. During the construction process, fire crews are working out of the Cubberley Community Center. Construction began in December of 2025, with nearly $5 million received from state funding, and completion is expected in the summer of 2027. Read more here.

🎭 The Da Vinci Code | Palo Alto | Lucie Stern Theater | through 2/1 | more
A suspenseful stage adaptation of the bestselling novel runs.

🎷 A Night of Soulful Jazz | Palo Alto | Elks Lodge | 1/23 | more
Enjoy an evening of live jazz featuring rich, soulful performances.

🎨 Friday Night at the Art Center | Palo Alto | Art Center | 1/23 | more
Explore art, creativity, and special programming during this after-hours event.

🎉 Teen Takeover- with the Cops! | Redwood City | Red Morton | 1/23 | more
Teens-only night of games, crafts, silent disco, snacks and more!

👑 Cinderella | Palo Alto | Palo Alto Children’s Theatre | 1/24-25 | more
A family-friendly stage production of the classic fairy tale.

🎭 The Da Vinci Code: Make a Play Date Performance | Palo Alto | Lucie Stern Theater | 1/24 | more
A special performance designed for parents with a kid’s theater class.

🔧 Repair Café Palo Alto | Palo Alto | Museum of American Heritage | 1/25 | more
Bring broken items and learn how to repair them with volunteer experts.

📷 Photography Meetup | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 1/25 | more
Connect with fellow photographers and share tips and inspiration.

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Community Center | 1/25 | more
Celebrate Lunar New Year with cultural performances, crafts, and activities.

🦢 Leisure Noon Origami | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 1/25 | more
Enjoy a relaxing midday origami session suitable for all skill levels.

🍊 Master Gardeners: Growing Citrus | Palo Alto | Rinconada Library | 1/25 | more
Learn expert tips for successfully growing citrus at home.

🌙 Goodnight Moon | Palo Alto | Children’s Theatre | 1/28-2/15 | more
A gentle, imaginative stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book.

🎶 Jazz Night | Redwood City | Feast and Floral | 1/29 | more
Enjoy live jazz in an intimate setting with food and drinks available.