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  • 🍲 Flavors of the Peninsula & Ralph Lauren Cafe Coming to Stanford

🍲 Flavors of the Peninsula & Ralph Lauren Cafe Coming to Stanford

Plus, an update on the Stanford Inn, Bridgerton-inspired book events, and a night at the library!

In this week’s edition:

  • Local Updates: Possibly aggressive coyotes spotted nearby in Redwood Shores

  • Business Updates: Demolition of Stanford Inn and Welcoming a Ralph Lauren Cafe

  • Events: Bridgerton-inspired book events, wine tasting, Head West Market, a night at the library, and Rock the Dock

Daily news for curious minds.

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Palo Alto Orders Demolition of Old Stanford Terrace Inn
After years of safety concerns, the City of Palo Alto has officially ordered the demolition of the long-abandoned Stanford Terrace Inn at 531 Stanford Avenue along El Camino Real because of the high fire risk. The buildings were boarded up after being used informally as housing, but issues like blocked emergency exits, corroded wiring and unsafe conditions worried fire officials. The owner has been in a long dispute with the city, saying fixes are possible and delaying demolition until new housing permits are ready. Neighbors have expressed relief, saying the site has attracted trespassers and poses real dangers. For the community, demolition clears a blighted property and could eventually make way for new homes, though details on future development are still in flux. Read more here.

50th Sequoia Ride Returns June 7
The Western Wheelers Bicycle Club is gearing up for the 50th running of The Sequoia on Sunday, June 7, starting at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. This iconic charity ride through the coastal mountains and redwoods offers multiple distances from a 43-mile fun route to a challenging 100-mile century, plus a new 80-mile gravel option. Cyclists can register now and choose a course that fits their pace, with proceeds benefiting local cycling causes and charities. It’s a great community event for riders and spectators alike, celebrating decades of Bay Area cycling tradition. Locals might see increased bike traffic and support volunteers along scenic roads that day. Read more here.

Redwood Shores Residents Urged to Watch for Aggressive Coyotes
Neighbors in Redwood Shores around the 900–1000 blocks of Redwood Shores Parkway and Rockport Avenue have reported sightings of bold coyotes wandering the area. Police and animal control are asking locals to be cautious, keep pets indoors, and report new sightings to help track activity. For those walking dogs or with small pets, taking extra care, especially at dawn and dusk, can help avoid unwanted encounters. Read more here.

Flavors of the Peninsula Starts This Week
From April 23 to May 3, Flavors of the Peninsula brings a food “passport” experience to the Bay Area, spotlighting a wide range of local restaurants and eateries. Participating spots are offering special prix-fixe menus and unique dishes you might not find on a typical night out. It’s a great excuse to explore the local food scene, support neighborhood favorites, and discover a few new go-to spots along the way. Read more here. Read more here.

Gamble Garden Awarded Tall Tree Award

Gamble Garden was recently honored with the 2026 Tall Tree Award for Outstanding Nonprofit by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its long-standing role as a community gathering place and contributor to local food banks. The garden, which celebrated its 40th year of operations last year and engages hundreds of volunteers, also annually draws thousands of visitors for tours and educational programs.

Ralph’s Coffee Coming to Stanford Shopping Center

Ralph's Coffee has officially opened its doors at Stanford Shopping Center, bringing the iconic Ralph Lauren café concept to the Peninsula. The new location features signature blends of organic coffee, teas, classic desserts, and branded merchandise, including a special Palo Alto mug, adding a new stop for shoppers and visitors alike.

Covour Coffee in Palo Alto

Covour Coffee focuses on specialty coffee with an emphasis on quality sourcing and craft preparation. The café serves espresso drinks, pour-overs, and rotating beans alongside pastries and light bites. Its approach highlights the nuances of different coffee origins and roasting styles. The space is designed for both quick stops and longer stays.

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

Asian Box in Palo Alto

Asian Box is a fast-casual eatery bringing fresh Vietnamese street food and Southeast Asian flavors to the Peninsula. Guests begin by choosing a base like rice, rice noodles, or salad, then add proteins such as six-spice chicken, shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu, plus vibrant veggies and flavorful sauces. The menu is fully customizable and gluten-free, with options that reflect Vietnamese influences and a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. Outdoor seating is available, and the relaxed setting fits into the lively Town & Country shopping area.

🍷 The Wine Fair | Redwood City | Feast and Floral | 4/23 | more
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting and socializing at Feast and Floral in Redwood City.

❄️ Frozen | Palo Alto | Lucie Stern Theatre | 4/24 | more
Catch Palo Alto Players’ production of Frozen, running from April 24 through May 10 at the Lucie Stern Theatre.

🌸 Spring Tour | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 4/24-25 | more
Explore Gamble Garden during its Spring Tour event featuring seasonal blooms and garden highlights.

📖 Regency in Bloom | Los Altos | A Novel Affair | 4/24 | more
Step into a literary-inspired spring gathering with Regency-era flair at A Novel Affair in Los Altos.

🏃 Community Fun Run | Menlo Park | Belle Haven Community Campus | 4/25 | more
Join neighbors for a community fun run at Belle Haven Community Campus, offering an active way to kick off the weekend.

🎶 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 4/25 | more
Enjoy live music on the waterfront during Redwood City’s Rock the Dock concert series at Seaport Court.

🌙 Night at the Library | Redwood City | Downtown Library | 4/25 | more
Spend an evening at the Downtown Library with special programming and activities designed for the community.

🍀 4H Life Skills Field Day | Redwood City | 101 Twin Dolphin Dr | 4/25 | more
Youth participants can build practical skills and take part in activities during this 4H Life Skills Field Day in Redwood City.

🛍️ Kids Pop-up Shop | Redwood City | Community Activities Building | 4/25 | more
Shop kid-made goods and support young entrepreneurs at this Kids Pop-up Shop event in Redwood City.

🔧 Repair Café Palo Alto | Palo Alto | Museum of American Heritage | 4/26 | more
Bring broken household items and learn repair tips from volunteers at this community Repair Café event.

📸 Photography Meetup | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 4/26 | more
Meet fellow photography enthusiasts for a casual meetup and conversation at Mitchell Park Library.

🛍️ Head West Marketplace | Los Altos | State St. at 3rd Str. | 4/26 | more
Browse local makers, vintage finds, and small business vendors at this Head West Marketplace pop-up on State Street.

🎉 North Fair Oaks Community Extravaganza | Redwood City | Fair Oaks Community Center | 4/26 | more
Enjoy a community celebration with activities and entertainment at the Fair Oaks Community Center in Redwood City.

📚 Bookbites | Redwood City | Downtown Library | 4/28 | more
Stop by the Downtown Library for Bookbites, a bite-sized literary event designed for readers and community members.

🍷 Italian Wine Tasting | Palo Alto | Enoteca Venetia | 4/30 | more
Sample Italian wines and learn more about regional varieties during this tasting event at Enoteca Venetia in Palo Alto.

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