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🐣 Easter Egg Events, Changes in PAUSD Leadership, and More!

🐣 Easter Egg Events, Changes in PAUSD Leadership, and More!

Plus, a new Palo Alto Police Chief, James Beard Award Finalists, and new businesses from fan-favorites.

Greg Kemper
April 02, 2026

In this week’s edition:

Local Updates: A new police chief and PAUSD superintendent
Business Updates: A new boutique and coffee shop made by locals, and James Beard restaurant finalists

Palo Alto Police Chief Announces Retirement

Palo Alto’s long-time law enforcement leader, Police Chief Andrew Binder, has announced that he’s retiring after a 28-year career, including a decade with the Palo Alto Police Department. The City Manager has selected Assistant Chief James Reifschneider to be the next Chief of Police, pending City Council approval in early April. Reifschneider, a Bay Area native who joined the department in 2005 and previously worked as a lawyer, plans to focus on professional, community-oriented policing and boosting officer recruitment. Chief Binder is praised for guiding the department through pandemic challenges and enhancing community engagement. This leadership change could bring fresh energy to local public safety efforts while maintaining continuity in the department. Read more here.

2 Menlo Park Restaurants named to SF Chronicle Best of the Bay

The SF Chronicle has released the first half (#51-100) of their 100 Best Restaurants list. Two Menlo Park restaurants have made the list so far- Eylan at #70 and Mrs. Khan Uyghur Cuisine at #94. Eylan is a California-Indian restaurant from the creators of Ettan, Copra, and Little Blue Door, that serves up new takes of traditional Indian dishes. Mrs. Khan is the Bay Area’s top Uyghur spot, known for their noodle dishes, spicy rice cakes, and chicken korma. Congratulations to both restaurants! Read more here.

Palo Alto Schools Abruptly Cuts Ties with Acting Superintendent

The Palo Alto Unified School District board made a surprising move by cutting ties with acting Superintendent Trent Bahadursingh less than a month after he took over the role. This sudden leadership change follows the earlier departure of Superintendent Don Austin and signals ongoing challenges within the district’s governance and administrative stability. The board’s decision could impact district operations and morale, as families and staff now face another leadership transition during the school year. Local parents and staff may see changes in how district priorities are communicated and handled moving forward. Read more here.

Mountain Mama Java Brings Coffee and Community to Woodside

In Woodside, local hospitality veteran Myshel Portz has launched Mountain Mama Java, a mobile coffee trailer serving up espresso and community vibes across San Mateo County. After decades in the local restaurant scene, Portz fulfilled her dream of owning her own coffee venture, serving drinks from a lovingly converted vintage horse trailer outside spots like Half Moon Bay Nursery. Locals are already gathering around her custom beverages, including unique creations like a Mexican mocha, and praising her warm, familiar presence. To find her- check out her Nextdoor page for upcoming locations! Read more here.

Global Fashion Veteran Launches Boutique in Los Altos

A seasoned fashion industry professional has opened a new boutique in downtown Los Altos, “House of Azadeh,” bringing curated global fashion to the heart of the community. The store features thoughtfully selected clothing and accessories, emphasizing quality and style that reflect the owner’s decades of international experience. This new shop adds to Los Altos’ growing retail scene and gives local fashion lovers a fresh, sophisticated option close to home. With its strategic location near other charming shops and cafes, the boutique is poised to become a destination for both residents and visitors. Read more here.

James Beard Award Finalists

The James Beard Awards have named the Cal-India collective, run by Srijith Gopinathan and Ayesha Thapar as finalists for the Outstanding Restaurateur Award. This award recognizes industry leaders using their establishments to build community, showing creativity in entrepreneurship, and holding high standards of integrity in operations. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony June 15. Their portfolio includes Ettan, Eylan, Copra, and Little Blue Door. Read more here.

Kathmandu Cuisine (Los Altos)

Kathmandu Cuisine offers a mix of Nepali and Indian dishes, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the Himalayan region. The menu features items like momos (dumplings), chicken tikka masala, and flavorful curries alongside vegetarian specialties. Spices and preparation styles draw from both Nepali and North Indian influences, creating a diverse selection. The setting is relaxed and suited for both casual meals and small gatherings.

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

Quail Café at Filoli (Woodside)

Quail Café, located at the historic Filoli Historic House & Garden, offers a seasonal menu inspired by its garden surroundings. Dishes often incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with options like salads, sandwiches, and light seasonal plates. The café provides a relaxed dining option for visitors exploring the estate. Its setting emphasizes the connection between food, agriculture, and the landscape. It’s designed as a complement to the broader Filoli visitor experience.

See more here!

🐰 Easter Bunny Photo Ops | Palo Alto | Stanford Shopping Center | 4/2-4/4 | more
Last chance to see the Easter Bunny at Stanford Shopping center- book your photo slot today!

🎤 Poetry Reading | Los Altos | A Novel Affair | 4/3 | more
Spend the evening enjoying live poetry in an intimate setting, featuring local voices and creative performances.

🪻 Wildflower Guided Hike| Redwood City | Edgewood Park | 4/3 & 4/4 | more
A docent-led hike exploring Edgewood Park’s blooming spring wildflowers! Registration required.

🏃 6K Community Fun Run Registration Deadline | Menlo Park | Belle Haven Community Campus | 4/3 | more
This is the last day to sign up for the upcoming 6K fun run on 4/25, a community event focused on fitness, connection, and outdoor fun.

🎉 First Friday | Los Altos | Downtown | 4/3 | more
Kick off the weekend with an evening in downtown Los Altos featuring local businesses, community activities, and a lively street atmosphere.

🥚 Spring Egg Hunt | Los Altos | Hillview Soccer Field | 4/4 | more
Bring the family out for a festive spring egg hunt with outdoor fun and seasonal excitement at Hillview Soccer Field.

🌸 Spring Social | Palo Alto | Stanford Shopping Center | 4/4 | more
Join us for our Spring Social! We will have crafts, photo moments, a floral bouquet making station and more floral fun.

🐶 Hopping Hounds Biscuit Hunt | Los Alto Hills | Westwind Community Barn | 4/4 | more
Join the furry frenzy as you and your dog explore Byrne Preserve on the quest for scrumptious, dog-healthy biscuits- supporting Pets in Need. Registration required.

🐣 Easter Event | East Palo Alto | Joel Davis Park | 4/4 | more
Celebrate Easter with a community gathering featuring family-friendly activities, seasonal fun, and a welcoming park setting.

🐰 Menlo Park Egg Hunt | Menlo Park | Burgess Field | 4/4 | more
Celebrate spring and the natural world with a community festival including a free petting zoo, photos with the big bunny, children's crafts, big bubbles, Menlo Park Fire Fun Zone and related attractions.

📚 Book Swap Society | Los Altos | A Novel Affair | 4/5 | more
Swap books with fellow readers and discover new titles at this relaxed gathering designed for anyone looking to refresh their reading list.

🛹 Teen Skate Night | Redwood City | Skate Open Spaces | 4/17 | more
Teens can enjoy an evening of skating, music, and hangout time in a fun, active setting designed just for them.