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🏠 Affordable Housing Development Updates and New Restaurants to Try

🏠 Affordable Housing Development Updates and New Restaurants to Try

Plus, wood fired pizza, music, parades, and bike days

Greg Kemper
May 14, 2026

In this week’s edition:

Local Updates: Maintenance projects in Menlo Park, Housing on West Bayshore, and an update on the Churchill train crossing
Business Updates: Hassett Hardware set to reopen after crash, Laughing Monk Brewery Expanding
Events: Music, pet parades, community bike days, and open art workshops

Redwood City Approves Millions for Affordable Housing Projects
Redwood City leaders recently approved millions in funding to support two new affordable housing projects, underscoring a commitment to expanding housing options in a high-cost market. The funds will help accelerate developments that serve residents who might otherwise be priced out of the community, reflecting the city’s long-term housing strategy. For locals, this likely means more diverse housing choices and support for neighbors seeking more affordable options. The investments also align with broader regional efforts to tackle housing shortages. Read more here.

Palo Alto Won’t Close Churchill Train Crossing (for now)
After much community discussion, Palo Alto city leaders decided not to close the Churchill Avenue railroad crossing, instead opting to continue safety measures like crossing guards and expedited plans for “quiet zones” where trains do not routinely sound horns. The move came after concerns that closing the crossing could reroute students and cyclists onto busier streets, potentially creating new safety issues. For families and commuters, the decision helps keep a familiar route intact while the city explores longer-term safety improvements. It also reflects the balancing act between safety, traffic flow, and community input on local transport planning. Read more here.

Proposed 286-Unit Housing Project on West Bayshore Road
A proposal for a new housing project with 286 units on West Bayshore Road in Palo Alto has gained attention as planners explore options for more residential space in a central location. The development would transform the existing site with a mix of units, potentially easing housing demand in Midtown Palo Alto and providing more living options near transit and jobs. While details like exact unit mix and timeline were discussed, this kind of project usually spurs conversations about traffic, affordability, and neighborhood character. For locals, the proposal signals ongoing growth and an opportunity for more community housing stock close to key city services. Read more here.

Menlo Park Street Maintenance Projects Underway
Menlo Park is rolling out citywide street maintenance projects this spring and summer as part of its five-year plan to preserve pavement quality and improve safety. Work includes slurry sealing on multiple roads, asphalt resurfacing, new curb ramps, bike lane striping, and intersection upgrades like flashing beacons near schools. Residents can expect partial street closures and temporary traffic shifts through August as crews work, and the city will share advance notices to minimize disruptions. These improvements aim to make local roads smoother, safer, and more accessible for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. Read more here.

Hassett Hardware to Reopen in Redwood City

The beloved Hassett Hardware store in Redwood City’s Woodside Plaza reopened their doors this Wednesday for limited hours following a closure of nearly six months. The soft reopening comes after months of building repairs and preparation, bringing back a favorite local spot for tools, supplies, and neighborhood interactions. The grand opening is set for July 12th. Read more here.

Laughing Monk Brewing Expands Locally

Craft beer fans have more to toast to as Laughing Monk Brewing has opened at State Street Market in Los Altos, bringing its chill gastropub vibe and variety of brews to the downtown mix. Laughing Monk is known for a welcoming atmosphere, solid beer list, and casual food options and both locations are expected to become lively community hangouts. Read more here.

Vesta in Redwood City

2022 Broadway, Redwood City

Vesta is a wood-fired pizza and small plates restaurant focused on thoughtful, farm-sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired dishes. The menu features a variety of artisan pizzas — from classic Margherita and Basil Burrata pies to creative options like Sausage & Honey with spicy Italian sausage and mascarpone, and vegan choices with pistachio pesto and wild arugula. Small plates such as pork meatballs with jalapeño aioli, burrata with grilled bread, and zucchini cakes with lemon yogurt provide shareable bites that complement the pizza selection. Salads highlight fresh produce with details like butter lettuce with nectarine plum vinaigrette or kale with pickled raisins and avocado dressing. Vesta also offers gelato desserts and a selection of beer, wine, and refreshing beverages, making it a spot that blends casual dining with thoughtfully prepared food.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

See more here

📚 One Book One Coast: Seeds of Activism | Redwood City | Redwood City Downtown Library | 5/14 | more
Join the Redwood City Downtown Library for a One Book One Coast event focused on Seeds of Activism and its themes of community change.

🎨 Art Making Workshop | Redwood City | Recovery Connection Center | 5/14 | more
Get creative at this art-making workshop hosted at the Recovery Connection Center in Redwood City.

🎤 Open Mic Night | Redwood City | Freewheel Brewing | 5/14 | more
Stop by Redwood City Taproom for open mic night featuring local performers sharing music, comedy, poetry, and more.

🍷 Filoli Reserve Wine Tasting | Woodside | Filoli | 5/15 | more
An exclusive tasting experience in the Filoli Garden House featuring curated wines in an elegant historic estate setting.

🚴 Bike N Dine | Los Altos | Veterans Community Plaza | 5/15 | more
Bike through Downtown Los Altos while enjoying food and drink stops during this community Bike N Dine event.

🦒 After Hours Spring Into Wildlife | Palo Alto | Junior Museum & Zoo | 5/15 | more
Spend an evening at the Junior Museum & Zoo with this after-hours event featuring wildlife encounters and springtime fun.

🎉 Rock the Dock: Mercy and the Heartbeats | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 5/16 | more
Come to Rock the Dock with live entertainment and waterfront festivities at Seaport Court in Redwood City.

🎬 Wild and Scenic Film Festival | Los Altos Hills | Smithwick Theater at Foothill College | 5/16 | more
Watch a lineup of outdoor and environmental films at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Foothill College’s Smithwick Theater.

📚 May Library Donation Event | Redwood City | Downtown Library & Redwood Shores Library | 5/16 | more
Support the Friends of the Redwood City Library by donating books and other accepted items during this May donation event.

👮 Community All Stars | Menlo Park | Flood Park | 5/16 | more
Head to Flood Park for Community All Stars, a free Redwood City event featuring family-friendly activities and community connection.

🎶 SingFest: Free Choir Class and Auditions | Redwood City | 178 Clinton St. | 5/16 | more
Try out singing at SingFest, offering a free choir class and audition opportunity at 178 Clinton Street in Redwood City.

🏘️ Neighborhood Block Party | Redwood City | Andrew Spinas Park | 5/16 | more
Meet your neighbors at this community block party at Andrew Spinas Park in Redwood City.

🚲 Bike to the Library Day | Redwood City | Redwood City Downtown Library | 5/16 | more
Celebrate Bike to the Library Day at the Redwood City Downtown Library with a community event encouraging biking and reading.

🛍️ Acton Children's Business Fair - Acton Academy Silicon Valley | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 5/17 | more
Support young entrepreneurs at this children’s business fair where kids showcase and sell their own products and services.

🚲 Bike Swap Meet | Palo Alto | 3961 E Bayshore Rd. | 5/17 | more
Shop, sell, or trade bikes and cycling gear at this Palo Alto bike swap meet on E Bayshore Road.

🐶 Kiwanis Pet Parade | Los Altos | Downtown | 5/17 | more
Enjoy this classic community event as pets and their owners parade through Downtown Los Altos.

🌸 May Fete | Palo Alto | Bol Park | 5/17 | more
Celebrate spring at May Fete at Bol Park in Palo Alto with community festivities and family-friendly fun.

🎶 Spring Fling | Los Altos | Los Altos Rec Center | 5/19 | more
Enjoy live music at the Los Altos Recreation Center during this relaxed afternoon community event, presented by Club 55