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- ⛳ Dad's Day Events, LASD Improvement Plan, and the Space Hall of Fame
⛳ Dad's Day Events, LASD Improvement Plan, and the Space Hall of Fame
Plus soccer watch parties, e-bike initiatives, wine tasting, and so much more!
Greg Kemper
June 18, 2026
In this week’s edition:
Local Updates: LASD improvement plan, Redwood City budget overview, and a housing debate
Business Updates: Flock camera update, E-Bike initiatives, and a local inventor put into the Space Hall of Fame!
Events: Dad’s day events, soccer watch parties, wine tasting, outdoor music, and so much more!
Redwood City budget relies on reserves to avoid service cuts
Redwood City's proposed budget will draw on financial reserves to help balance spending and avoid reductions to city services. Officials cited ongoing economic uncertainty, rising costs and slower revenue growth as factors contributing to the budget challenges. City leaders emphasized that reserves were established for periods like this but acknowledged the approach may not be sustainable long term. For residents, the proposal means key city services are expected to continue without major cuts while officials work to stabilize future finances. Read more here.
Local invention earns spot in Space Foundation Hall of Fame
A Los Altos father-and-son team has earned national recognition after their microgravity treadmill technology was inducted into the Space Foundation Hall of Fame. Originally developed for use by astronauts exercising in space, the technology has also found applications on Earth, particularly in rehabilitation and physical therapy settings. The recognition highlights decades of innovation and collaboration between the family and the aerospace community. For local residents, the honor serves as a reminder of the region's longstanding contributions to science, technology and space exploration. Read more here.
East Palo Alto opens 136-unit affordable housing community
A new affordable housing development called Colibri Commons officially opened in East Palo Alto with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 20. Located on city-owned land and developed through partnerships between local organizations and government agencies, the project adds 136 affordable apartments for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The community includes a mix of unit sizes, a community room and a children's playground. Residents and city leaders say the development will provide much-needed housing stability in a region where affordability remains a major challenge. For local families, the project represents a significant addition to the area's affordable housing inventory and may help reduce displacement pressures. Read more here.
Los Altos extends Flock camera contract despite concerns
The Los Altos City Council voted to extend its contract with Flock Safety, allowing the city's automated license plate reader system to remain in operation despite ongoing concerns from some community members about privacy and surveillance. Supporters argue the technology has helped law enforcement investigate crimes and identify suspect vehicles, while critics continue to raise questions about data collection and oversight. City officials said the system's benefits outweighed the concerns raised during public discussions. For residents, the decision means the camera network will continue operating as part of the city's public safety strategy. Read more here.
LASD advances $350 million facilities improvement plan
The Los Altos School District is moving forward with a proposed $350 million facilities modernization plan that would address aging campuses and prepare schools for future educational needs. District leaders are evaluating upgrades that could include classroom modernization, safety improvements, infrastructure repairs and expanded learning spaces. The proposal is still in development and would likely require voter approval before moving ahead. For local families, the plan represents a significant investment in school facilities, though it may also prompt discussions about future funding and tax impacts. Read more here.
Cook’s Seafood in Menlo Park
Cook’s Seafood is a family-owned seafood restaurant known for serving sustainably sourced seafood in a casual setting. The menu features a variety of fish and chips, grilled seafood plates, fish tacos, clam chowder, oysters, and seasonal seafood specials. The restaurant has built its reputation around fresh seafood and a commitment to responsible sourcing, with many menu items highlighting wild-caught fish. In addition to dine-in service, Cook’s also operates a seafood market, allowing customers to purchase fresh seafood to prepare at home.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
⚽ World Cup Watch Parties | Los Altos | Teen Center Juniper Room | 6/15–6/26 | more
Cheer on your favorite teams with fellow soccer fans during World Cup watch parties featuring big-screen match broadcasts in a fun community setting, 3-6pm M-F.
🎶 Music on the Patio | Redwood City | Marsh Manor Shopping Center | 6/18 | more
Enjoy live music on the patio while dining, shopping, or simply relaxing with friends during this laid-back summer performance.
🎬 Movie on the Square | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 6/18 | more
Enjoy an outdoor screening of GOAT followed by Anaconda in downtown Redwood City
🧶 Create: Finger Knitting | Menlo Park | Library | 6/18 | more
Learn the basics of finger knitting and create a cozy handmade project during this fun, beginner-friendly crafting session.
🦎 Teen Night | Palo Alto | Junior Museum & Zoo | 6/19 | more
Teens can enjoy an after-hours evening with animal encounters, art activities, games, and free pizza at this special museum event.
🎶 Music on the Square | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 6/19 | more
Enjoy live music in downtown Redwood City, featuring Patton Leatha- an R&B group focusing on slow jams, top 40 hits, and old school jams.
✊🏾 EPA Juneteenth Celebration | East Palo Alto | Bell Street Park | 6/19-21 | more
Celebrate Juneteenth with live entertainment, cultural performances, local vendors, food, and family activities honoring Black history and community.
🎸 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 6/20 | more
Spend an evening on the waterfront with live music, food, drinks, and a lively community atmosphere at this popular summer concert series, featuring Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band.
💦 Summer Splash | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 6/20 | more
Cool off with water play, family-friendly activities, music, and summer fun during this splash-filled community celebration.
🥕 Vegetable Gardening for Kids | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 6/20 | more
Young gardeners will learn how vegetables grow through hands-on activities while discovering fun tips for planting and caring for an edible garden.
🐶 Corgis + Havanese Puppy Yoga | Redwood City | Puppy Yoga | 6/20 | more
Stretch, unwind, and enjoy a yoga session surrounded by playful corgis and Havanese puppies for an extra dose of cuteness.
🍹 Entertainment Zone | Redwood City | Broadway Pedestrian Mall | 6/20 | more
Explore downtown with outdoor dining, live entertainment, and the flexibility to enjoy beverages while strolling through the Entertainment Zone.
🌿 Tour of Gamble Garden | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 6/21 | more
Take a guided walk through Gamble Garden to learn about its history, beautiful plant collections, and seasonal highlights.
🏄 Father's Day Daddy & Me: Ocean Acrylic Pour on a Surfboard Serving Board | Los Altos | Wine & Design | 6/21 | more
Create colorful ocean-inspired artwork together by designing a unique surfboard-shaped serving board during this Father's Day workshop.
⛳ Father's Day Golf Simulator | Palo Alto | Town & Country | 6/21 | more
Celebrate Father's Day by taking a swing on a golf simulator and enjoying a fun family outing at Town & Country.
🎷 Father's Day at Angelicas | Redwood City | Angelicas | 6/21 | more
Celebrate Father's Day with great food, drinks, and live entertainment in the lively atmosphere at Angelicas.
🤸 Acrobatic Storytelling | Redwood City | Magical Bridge Playground | 6/23 | more
Watch stories come to life through energetic acrobatics, movement, and interactive performances designed to delight audiences of all ages.
⚽ Soccer on the Square | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 6/23–7/19 | more
Watch World Cup matches on the big screen while enjoying fan zones with beer and wine, lawn games, youth activities, climbing walls, soccer activations, inflatables, and family-friendly fun throughout the tournament.
⚽ Fútbol Fiesta on the Block | Redwood City | Downtown Redwood City | 6/24 | more
Celebrate the World Cup with a lively downtown block party featuring 3-on-3 soccer games, music, community activities, and plenty of fútbol excitement for fans of all ages.
🎵 Summer Concert Series: Mercy and the Heartbeats | Los Altos | Grant Park Soccer Field | 6/25 | more
Enjoy an evening of live music under the stars with Mercy and the Heartbeats, and bring a blanket or lawn chair for this free community concert.
🍷 Wine Fair Tasting Night | Redwood City | Feast and Floral | 6/25 | more
Sample a variety of wines, meet fellow wine enthusiasts, and enjoy an evening of tastings in a relaxed and social setting.
