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Croissants, Canopies, and a Big Bioscience Build
From solar-powered schools to standout Greek and Mexican eats, plus an SF bakery headed our way, here’s what’s happening around Palo Alto.
Greg Kemper
January 08, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!
In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the new solar canopies being installed at Redwood City schools and a proposal for for a new bioscience campus. Plus, we have must-try Greek and Mexican restaurants, plus a fan-favorite bakery from SF coming to Palo Alto.
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
New Builds: Solar Panel Canopies for schools and a proposal for 500,000 Sq. Ft. Biosciences Campus in Redwood City
Good bites: Greek and Mexican Must-Trys, plus an SF bakery coming to Palo Alto this fall.
🏢 Affordable Housing Project in Palo Alto Begins Welcoming Tenants
A long-awaited affordable housing community on Charleston Road in Palo Alto has started welcoming its first residents, with most units expected to be occupied this month. The 50 apartments are offered below market rate, and half are set aside for adults with developmental disabilities as part of an effort to create an inclusive living environment.
The project includes a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom homes and has drawn strong interest, with about 270 applications submitted for the available units. Local leaders and housing partners have described moving tenants in as a major milestone after years of planning and coordination. Many neighbors have expressed a warm welcome to the new community members as they settle in. Read more here.
🧬 Proposal For a 500,000 Sq. Ft. Biosciences Campus in Redwood City
Plans have been submitted for a large biosciences research and development campus in eastern Redwood City, with about 594,000 square feet of space proposed on Penobscot Drive. The proposal from Metlife Investment Management envisions two five-story life sciences buildings along with multi-level parking garages, reflecting ongoing interest in expanding biotech space on the Peninsula.
City planners are now reviewing the project to determine if it meets environmental and planning requirements. The site sits near Redwood Creek and is close to community organizations focused on marine and youth activities. If it moves forward, the development could play a role in the region’s biotech economy and prompt conversations about impacts like local housing demand. Read more here.
🌞 Solar Canopy Construction Starts at Seven Redwood City Schools
Construction has begun on a new phase of solar canopy installations at seven Redwood City School District campuses, part of the district’s effort to boost renewable energy use and long-term savings. Work started this month at Henry Ford Elementary and Taft Community School, with other campuses scheduled to follow through spring and summer.
The solar canopies are expected to generate electricity on site, reducing the schools’ energy costs and potentially saving the district millions over the next 25 years. In addition to clean power generation, the structures will provide shaded areas that can be useful for outdoor activities. District officials say this effort builds on earlier solar installations and reflects ongoing community investment in sustainability. Read more here.
Arsicault Bakery to Open First Location Outside San Francisco
Famed San Francisco bakery Arsicault, celebrated for its flaky, butter-rich croissants and other French pastries, is expanding beyond the city for the first time. The much-loved bakery is planning a new location in Palo Alto this fall, bringing its signature pastries and baguette sandwiches to the Peninsula. While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to enjoy Arsicault’s treats closer to home. Read more here.
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Meyhouse in Palo Alto
Photo: Meyhouse
One of our favorite recent discoveries for a special night out is Meyhouse, where Turkish cuisine truly sings. Walking in feels like being invited into a friend’s stylish yet welcoming home, complete with lively conversation, shared plates, and deeply flavorful food. The mezze selection is a revelation (think vibrant spreads and beautifully grilled octopus), and main courses like bone-in lamb chops or charcoal-grilled branzino are rich, smoky, and unforgettable. Add in a glass of wine or rakı, and the vibe becomes as much about the experience as the meal itself. With its blend of authentic Turkish flavors and California freshness, this place is perfect for lingering dinners and celebrations alike.
🌮🥂 Milagros in Redwood City
Milagros in Redwood City offers an authentic Mexican-Latin fusion menu with zesty starters like traditional guacamole, birria rolls, and Mexican street brussel sprouts, to hearty bowls & specials such as chili‑lime salmon, carnitas, al pastor, seared mahi mahi, and a full taqueria lineup of tacos and enchiladas. Their creative cocktails and mocktails and robust drink menu offer something for everyone.
Photo: Milagros
All quiet on the event front this week. Check back next week for upcoming events!
🚂 Gilded, Thistlewyck, and Holiday Lights | Woodside | Filoli | through 1/12 | more
Final week to check out the Holiday events at Filoli
🏀 Stanford Women’s Basketball game | Stanford | Maples Pavilion | 1/8 | more
Watch the Stanford Women’s team take on Wake Forest
🚒 Fire Station Groundbreaking | Palo Alto | Station #4 | 1/8 | more
Groundbreaking event with a brief program & photo opportunities
📚 Storytime | Menlo Park | Belle Haven Library | 1/9 | more
Interactive story time, songs, & fun at the library!
🏞️ Bair Island Volunteer Workday | Redwood City | Bair Island | 1/10 | more
Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for this fun and unique opportunity to volunteer at Bair Island
📖 Book Sale | Palo Alto | Cubberley Community Center | 1/10 | more
Check out the monthly book sale for over 70,000 books, CD’s, DVDs, puzzles & more
🎶 Live Music Night | Redwood City | The Hub | 1/10 | more
Graham Rutledge, with House of Asha, Stephen McQuay, and Memo
🚗 Cars & Coffee | Redwood City | Breakers Cafe | 1/11 | more
Mingle with other car enthusiasts over a cup of coffee
🚜 Weekend Farm Tour | Redwood City | Hidden Villa | 1/11 | more
Get up close with cows, pigs, chickens, goats and sheep
🎬 Family Movie Night | Palo Alto | Cubberley Theatre | 1/14 | more
Kick off the new year with the Smurfs
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