Palo Alto Scoop
Posts
🐣 Easter Egg Events, Rising Utility Rates, and Budget Updates

🐣 Easter Egg Events, Rising Utility Rates, and Budget Updates

Learn more about the impact of these budget proposals, plus Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea!

Greg Kemper
March 26, 2026

In this week’s edition:

Local Updates: Rising utility rates and new budget proposals
Events: Easter events, events for book lovers, Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea, bike tune ups, and more!

Redwood City Looks Back to Move Forward

Redwood City leaders used this year’s State of the City on Monday to connect the city’s history with current priorities, presenting updates from local landmarks under the theme “Grounded in History. Shaping the Future.” Officials highlighted major focus areas including housing production, transportation investments and climate resilience. The city aims to permit 490 homes in 2025 but is still behind pace to meet its state housing goal for 2031. Leaders also pointed to big infrastructure efforts like the Highway 84–101 interchange overhaul, new public safety tools and programs addressing homelessness. Officials acknowledged progress while warning of potential budget shortfalls later in the decade. Read more here.

Rising Utility Rate Costs

Utility rates in Palo Alto may increase starting in July as the city looks to address rising operational and infrastructure costs. Proposed hikes would impact services like electricity, water, and gas, with officials citing the need to maintain reliable systems and invest in future improvements. While the increases aim to ensure long-term sustainability, they could mean higher monthly bills (about $25 per month for residential customers). Read more here.

Causwells Opening in Menlo Park (Opening April 2)

A new dining option is coming to downtown Menlo Park as Causwells prepares to open its latest location on April 2. Known for its elevated American comfort food, especially its popular burger and seasonal dishes, the restaurant is expanding beyond San Francisco for the first time. The new outpost aims to bring the same neighborhood-focused dining experience to the Peninsula, adding to Menlo Park’s growing food scene. Read more here.

Bravo Taqueria in Redwood City Reopens

After closing for major renovations, Bravo Taqueria has officially reopened on Woodside Road! Serving the Redwood City community since 1991, this longtime local favorite is back with the classic Mexican dishes people know and love. They’re especially known for their delicious burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. Congratulations to the owner, Carlos, on the reopening—welcome back! Read more here.

Little Green Plant Bar in Redwood City

Little Green Plant Bar combines a café experience with a plant shop, creating a unique hybrid space. Guests can enjoy coffee, teas, and light bites while surrounded by greenery and browsing houseplants and locally made goods. The menu leans toward simple, fresh offerings that complement the relaxed environment. The concept emphasizes community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. It serves as both a casual hangout and a retail space for plant enthusiasts.

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

Yutori in Palo Alto

Yutori is a Japanese marketplace and full-service restaurant concept bringing a multifaceted dining experience to the area. The space combines a market with prepared foods and a sit-down restaurant offering dishes like sushi, bento boxes, and traditional Japanese fare. Its concept emphasizes balance and everyday comfort, reflecting the meaning of “yutori” as a sense of ease or spaciousness. The market component allows visitors to explore Japanese ingredients and grab-and-go items. Altogether, it introduces a hybrid dining and retail experience to Palo Alto.

See more here!

🍺 Par Crawl | Redwood City | Downtown | 3/26 | more
Explore Redwood City’s best bars and restaurants with exclusive specials before heading to the downtown Parcade for mini golf, classic arcade games, music, and more.

📚 Heated Rivalry Book Bedazzling Night | Los Altos | A Novel Affair | 3/27 | more
Get creative with fellow book lovers as you decorate and personalize your favorite reads in this fun, hands-on crafting night.

🐶 Frenchie Puppy Yoga | Redwood City | Puppy Paws Yoga | 3/28 | more
Stretch and unwind alongside adorable Frenchie puppies in this playful yoga class that blends relaxation with plenty of puppy interaction. Limited spots left!

🐰 Easter Eggstravaganza | Palo Alto | Peninsula Bible Church | 3/28 | more
Join us for a morning of Easter Egg fun! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled morning of egg hunting, sweet treats, crafts, and more!

🐥 Egg Hunt | Palo Alto | First Palo Alto | 3/28 | more
It's time for First Palo Alto's annual Egg Hunt! All kids 0-11 are welcome. 🐇

🐝 Honeybees and Bouquets | East Palo Alto | Community Garden | 3/28 | more
Learn about pollinators while creating beautiful floral arrangements in this nature-inspired workshop set in a community garden.

🌿 Nature Lotería | East Palo Alto | Bloomhouse | 3/28 | more
Play a nature-themed version of the classic game Lotería while learning about plants, wildlife, and the environment.

🤝 Community Resource Fair | Menlo Park | Belle Haven Community Campus | 3/28 | more
Connect with local organizations offering resources, services, and information to support the community.

🚲 Free Bike Tune Ups and Repairs | Menlo Park | Belle Haven Community Campus | 3/28 | more
Bring your bike in for free maintenance and repairs, helping you stay safe and road-ready.

📸 Photography Meetup | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 3/29 | more
Meet fellow photography enthusiasts to share tips, techniques, and inspiration in a welcoming group setting.

🛍️ Hop Into Spring | Menlo Park | The Plaza at Springline | 3/29 | more
Explore a lively event at Springline featuring community activities, shopping, and a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.

📖 Book Bites | Redwood City | Downtown Library | 3/31 | more
Discover new reads and share recommendations in this casual gathering designed for book lovers and curious readers alike. March’s book is Absolution by Alice McDermott.

🐣 Los Altos Spring Egg Hunt | Los Altos | Hillview Field | 4/3 | more
Hop into spring with the annual Parks & Recreation Spring Egg Hunt! Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly event celebrating the season.

🎤 Poetry Reading | Los Altos | A Novel Affair | 4/3 | more
Enjoy an evening of spoken word and poetry in an intimate setting that highlights local voices and creative expression.

🏃 6K Community Fun Run Registration Deadline | Menlo Park | Belle Haven Community Campus | 4/3 | more
Last chance to register for the upcoming community fun run—don’t miss the opportunity to join this active and social event.

🐣 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.