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Bad Bunny Approved Restaurant, X-Ray Discoveries, and Palo Alto Olympians

Bad Bunny Approved Restaurant, X-Ray Discoveries, and Palo Alto Olympians

The Bad Bunny-approved Palo Alto restaurant, school developments making big and small impacts, and a scientific discovery that is changing the way we look at stars.

Greg Kemper
February 19, 2026

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more a parcel tax, a hidden map discovered by x-ray technology, plus school updates, including school closures, reversal of staff cuts. Finally, learn about the Bad Bunny approved restaurant and the locals representing us in the Olympics.

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

Business Updates: A parcel tax, a hidden map discovered by the Menlo Park Accelerator, and a condo development
School Updates: Suicide prevention training, reversal of staff cuts, and a local school closing its doors.
Sports Updates: Learn more about the Olympians representing Palo Alto in Milan
Events: Lunar New Year Celebrations and the start of spring events!

TIDE Academy to Close After Six Years

After six years in operation, TIDE Academy will be closing its doors. The school, which focused on small class sizes and personalized learning, cited ongoing challenges that made it difficult to continue. Families are now working with district officials to secure placements for students in other schools. For the broader community, the closure marks the end of a unique educational option and highlights the financial and enrollment pressures facing small schools. Read more here.

Downtown Palo Alto Condo Development

A new condo development has been proposed on Webster Street, near Channing House in downtown Palo Alto. The project would add additional for-sale housing in a highly sought-after area close to shops, transit, and senior living communities. While supporters say it could help meet housing demand, some neighbors are watching closely for potential impacts on traffic, privacy, and neighborhood character. If approved, the development would further increase residential density in the city’s core. Read more here.

PAUSD Preparing to Reverse Staff Cuts

Facing community criticism, the Palo Alto Unified School District is preparing to reverse some previously planned staff cuts. District leaders had proposed reductions amid budget pressures, but pushback from parents and educators prompted a reevaluation. Officials are now working to restore certain positions while continuing to address financial challenges. For families, the shift could mean more stability in classrooms and school services moving forward. Read more here.

2026 Olympians with Palo Alto Ties

There are several Olympians representing Palo Alto in Milan- check out a few of them below!

Brandon Kim, a current Stanford University student, competes in short track speed skating for Team USA.

Zoe Atkin, a current Stanford University student, trains in the U.S. and has ties to the Bay Area freestyle ski community, but competes for Great Britain in the ski halfpipe.

Eileen Gu, a current Stanford University student and Bay Area native, competes in freestyle skiing, specializing in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air for China.

Sammy Smith, a current Stanford University student, competes in cross-country skiing for Team USA.

Joanne Reid, a Palo Alto native, competes in biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting for Team USA.

Badass Granola: Homemade Premium Granola

Badass Granola is a Peninsula-based, local granola business founded by local entrepreneur Ilana, crafting delicious granola using simple, clean ingredients and no refined sugars. What began as a home kitchen passion project has grown into a community-loved brand now stocked in local markets such as The Willows Market in Menlo Park and Rainbow Co-op in San Francisco. In addition to retail offerings, Badass Granola is available for custom orders, corporate events, and special occasions. The brand is actively seeking to expand into more local shops and grocery stores/markets throughout the Bay Area. Learn more here or find them on Instagram.

New Parcel Tax for PAUSD

The Palo Alto Unified School District board is advancing a new parcel tax measure, though at a lower proposed rate than initially discussed, reducing the cost to $800 per parcel. The funding would help maintain academic programs and staff amid ongoing budget constraints. By reducing the rate, board members hope to strike a balance between fiscal needs and voter support. If placed on the ballot, the measure would ask local taxpayers to weigh in on continued school funding this year. Read more here.

X-Ray Technology Reveals Hidden Star Map

In Menlo Park, advanced X-ray technology has revealed a long-lost star map hidden within a historic object, shedding new light on its origins. Researchers at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory used cutting-edge imaging tools to uncover details that had been invisible for decades. The discovery is drawing attention from historians and science enthusiasts alike. For locals, it’s a fascinating reminder of the area’s connection to innovation and preservation. Read more here.

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

Macarena Restaurant: Bad Bunny Approved

After the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny rented out Macarena in Palo Alto for his crew. This polished Spanish eatery embraces traditional Spanish flavors with a menu rooted in generations of family recipes and influenced by time-honored tapas and paella traditions. From jamón ibérico croquetas and gambas al ajillo to signature paellas like paella negra with squid ink and seafood, every dish celebrates the soul of Spain with seasonal, vibrant ingredients. With a warm, stylish dining room and shareable plates perfect for gatherings, Macarena is ideal for a more refined yet convivial meal out, whether you’re lingering over cocktails or savoring a classic paella at dinner.

Vesta in Redwood City

A welcoming neighborhood favorite in Redwood City, Vesta serves up artisanal wood-fired pizzas and seasonal small plates in a relaxed, casual setting perfect for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings. Think classic margherita alongside creative pies like sausage & honey or spicy vegan pesto, plus shareable bites like burrata or pork meatballs sourced from local produce and thoughtfully crafted. With a lively yet laid-back vibe and a menu built for sharing, Vesta is a great pick for pizza night with friends or a cozy meal with a glass of wine.

🎸 The Marshall Tucker Band | Menlo Park | Guild Theatre | 2/20 | more
Southern rock legends bring their signature sound and decades of hits to the stage for a high-energy night of classic tunes and live music nostalgia.

🍳 Induction Cooking Demo and Tasting | Los Altos | Community Center | 2/21 | more
Discover the benefits of induction cooking during this live demo, complete with tasty samples and practical tips you can bring home to your own kitchen.

☕ The Yard Micro Pop Up | Redwood City | The Yard | 2/21 | more
Stop by for a cozy micro pop-up experience featuring specialty coffee, community vibes, and a welcoming spot to gather and connect.

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebrations | Stanford Shopping Center | Center Pavilion | 2/21 | more
Ring in the Lunar New Year with festive performances, cultural traditions, and family-friendly entertainment at this lively shopping center celebration.

🎉 Pal-Entine’s Party with Magical Bridge | Palo Alto | Lucie Stern Community Center | 2/21 | more
Celebrate friendship at this inclusive, joy-filled party designed to bring the community together with music, activities, and lots of heart.

📸 Photography Meetup | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 2/22 | more
Connect with fellow photography enthusiasts to share tips, techniques, and inspiration—whether you’re a beginner or seasoned shutterbug.

🏮 2026 Palo Alto Lunar New Year Fair | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Community Center | 2/22 | more
Enjoy a vibrant fair filled with cultural performances, food, crafts, and activities celebrating the Lunar New Year.

🎨 Teen Art Takeover Event | Palo Alto | Art Center | 2/22 | more
High school students take the lead in this creative takeover featuring art, music, and interactive experiences designed by teens, for teens.

🖼️ Seema Kohli Workshop: The Texture of Remembering | Palo Alto | Pacific Art League | 2/24 | more
Join artist Seema Kohli for a hands-on workshop exploring memory, texture, and storytelling through art in an inspiring studio setting.

🌳 Los Altos Parks and Rec Open House | Los Altos | Community Center | 2/26 | more
Learn about upcoming programs, camps, and community offerings at this informative open house showcasing all that Parks and Recreation has to offer.

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration | Woodside | Filoli | 2/28 | more
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with special cultural activities, performances, and family-friendly experiences at this festive Lunar New Year event.