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Age-Friendly Cities and Restaurant Awards

Age-Friendly Cities and Restaurant Awards

Plus, the revamped search for a PAUSD superintendent search and foodie & car events

Greg Kemper
April 09, 2026

In this week’s edition:

Local Updates: EPA looking to maintain its age-friendly status, Palo Alto revamping its superintendent search.
Business Updates: Menlo Park restaurant wins accolades, cancer treatment breakthroughs at Stanford, a new president for Sequoia Hospitals
Events: Author meets, networking, and foodie and car events

Santa Clara County Housing Funds Safe After Federal Court Ruling

A federal appeals court has blocked changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would have limited federal housing grants used in Santa Clara County. The county challenged HUD’s attempt to cap funds for permanent housing and redirect them toward temporary shelters, arguing it could undermine long-term stability for people coming out of homelessness. The ruling means more than $48 million in Continuum of Care funding that supports housing for vulnerable residents, including families and individuals with disabilities, remains secure this year. Local service providers said this stability in funding helps keep people housed and reduces homelessness long term. Read more here.

Palo Alto Considers Reduced Funding for Local Nonprofits
Palo Alto’s City Council is reviewing the city’s budget and considering cutting back on funding for some local nonprofit organizations to help close a multimillion-dollar deficit. The proposal would suspend grants that were issued last year to 16 nonprofits, intended to be 2 year grants. Some nonprofits that have served the community for decades say this change adds uncertainty to their planning and could affect services that residents rely on, especially in the arts and social support sectors. Councilmembers say they’re trying to be fiscally responsible while still preserving key services, but tough choices are ahead as the city balances priorities. Read more here.

East Palo Alto Looks to Enhance Senior Services, Maintain Age-Friendly Status
East Palo Alto is evaluating and planning improvements to its senior services, aiming to build on its “age-friendly” community designation and better support older residents. The city has been surveying programs like the Senior Center, meal services, and digital access resources to identify gaps and opportunities as part of their 5 year “Age-Friendly Action Plan.” Enhancements could include more social activities, tech support, transportation options, and expanded outreach tailored to seniors’ needs. The effort reflects the city’s commitment to keeping older adults engaged, connected, and living independently. Residents are encouraged to participate and share feedback as these plans take shape. Read more here.

Sequoia Hospital & Dominican Hospital Get a New President

Dignity Health has named Christine McSweeney as the new president overseeing both Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City and Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. McSweeney brings leadership experience from her previous roles with hospitals in Utah and plans to build on the strong community-focused care both facilities provide. Her leadership will focus on continuing high-quality care and deepening ties with caregivers, staff, and the broader community. For local patients and families, this leadership change is aimed at maintaining and enhancing the health services available right here on the Peninsula. Read more here.

Stanford Hospital Unveils First-of-Its-Kind Proton Therapy Machine

Stanford Health Care has unveiled a new proton therapy system, a cutting-edge cancer treatment technology that uses precise beams to target tumors while sparing healthy tissue. This machine enhances the hospital’s ability to treat complex cancers and could improve outcomes for patients with tumors near sensitive organs. For local patients, this means access to advanced treatment options here in the Bay Area without needing to travel far. Doctors say proton therapy is especially promising for hard-to-treat cases and pediatric cancers. It’s a significant medical milestone and reflects Stanford’s ongoing role as a regional leader in health innovation. Read more here.

Yeobo, Darling Recognized in Michelin Guide & SF Chronicle Top 100

Downtown Menlo Park’s Korean-Taiwanese fine-dining restaurant Yeobo, Darling was named to the Michelin Guide and secured their spot in the SF Chronicle’s Top 100 restaurants of 2026 with a ranking of #48. The restaurant, led by chefs Meichih and Michael Kim, features inventive dishes such as bite-sized potato “jeon” with Santa Barbara uni and prosciutto, lu rou lasagna, and wagyu kalbi with housemade banchan. Congratulations to the Yeobo, Darling team! Read more here.

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Bluestone Lane in Los Altos

Bluestone Lane brings Australian café culture to downtown Los Altos. The menu includes items like avocado toast, grain bowls, and espresso drinks crafted in a Melbourne-style tradition. Known for its bright, minimalist spaces, the café emphasizes fresh, health-forward options. Coffee plays a central role, with a focus on high-quality beans and preparation. It adds an international café influence to the local dining mix.

See more here!

⛳ Pop-up Parcade | Redwood City | Downtown | 4/9-12 | more
Last weekend to check out the Parcade mini golf course and arcade!

🏃 Progressive Motion Run Club | Redwood City | The Yard Coffee | 4/11 | more
Join this community run club for a group workout followed by coffee and conversation at The Yard.

🌟 Palo Alto Enlightenment Expo | Palo Alto | Crowne Plaza | 4/11 | more
Explore psychic & tarot readings, receive uplifting energy healings and more!

🎨 Free Art Project | Redwood City | Magical Bridge Playground | 4/11 | more
Join for a free art project in the Kindness Corner!

🚗 Cars and Coffee | Redwood City | Breakers Cafe | 4/12 | more
Stop by to check out a variety of cars on display while enjoying a casual morning meetup with fellow auto enthusiasts.

🫖 Mid-Afternoon Tea Party | Los Altos | A Novel Affair | 4/12 | more
Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea experience with treats, conversation, and a cozy setting at this local bookstore café.

🤝 Modern Day Rolodex Networking Event | Palo Alto | El Prado Hotel | 4/12 | more
Connect with local professionals at this networking event featuring panels, shopping, and opportunities to build new relationships.

✍️ Anime Your Way: Comics Workshops | Redwood City | Downtown Library Teen Center | 4/13 | more
Teens can explore comic and anime-style illustration in this creative workshop hosted at the library’s Teen Center.

🍝 An Evening in Italy | Los Altos | The Rustic Room | 4/14 | more
Transport yourself to Italy for the night with themed food, drinks, and ambiance at this special evening event.

📕 Kelly Yang with Mychal Threets | Menlo Park | Kepler Books | 4/15 | more
Author Kelly Yang will discuss her new book, “The Take” with Mychal Threets

📖 Meet the Author: Pam Munoz Ryan | Redwood City | Downtown Library | 4/16 | more
Meet award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan at this special library event featuring an author talk and community engagement.

❄️ Frozen Tickets on Sale Now | Palo Alto | Palo Alto Players Theatre | 4/24-5/10 | more
Tickets are now available for Palo Alto Players’ production of Frozen, bringing the beloved story to the local stage.

🥂 Bubbly Stroll Tickets on Sale Now | Los Altos | Downtown | 5/8 | more
Tickets are now available for the Los Altos Bubbly Stroll. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today!